What could cause improper shifting during acceleration?

Improper shifting during acceleration in an automatic transmission can indeed be attributed to several potential issues, including both worn-out bands and a clogged filter.

Worn-out bands in a transmission play a critical role in engaging and controlling the gears. These bands are responsible for holding the gears in place as the vehicle accelerates. If the bands are worn, they may struggle to maintain the necessary tension and grip on the gears. This can lead to slipping, delayed shifting, or harsh engagement when the vehicle accelerates, all of which contribute to improper shifting behavior.

A clogged filter can also affect transmission performance. The filter in an automatic transmission is designed to filter out debris and contaminants from the transmission fluid. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of fluid throughout the system, which can lead to insufficient hydraulic pressure. This lack of pressure can result in delayed shifting or erratic shifting patterns as the hydraulic system fails to function properly.

Given that both worn bands and a clogged filter can independently lead to problems with shifting, the correct answer encompasses the possibility that either or both issues could be at work in causing improper shifting during acceleration.