Help!

[drpolm]

I have a question again, and I am hoping that ya'll are able to help me. I have a 2001 4WD automatic Kia Sportage. Lately when I accelerate from a stop, the car shudders a bit before going, almost like it doesn't want to go. Today, I noticed when getting onto the highway, it seem to shift harder than normal. I checked the transmission fluid, and all seems to be okay with it. I am going to do a cleaning this weekend, and change the transmission fluid, as well as check into the spark plugs and such. Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be, and if doing these things would help it? Or if I should plan on doing anything else..

Thanks!
Doug

[kiaracer]

what's the mileage? and what color was your transmission fluid when you checked it?

[drpolm]

119k miles.

[purple571]

you might want to change or re-gap the plugs and possibly change the transmission fluid and filter.