Transmission Shift Delays Colder Weather

[campbeam]

Cooler weather has finally arrived. A few weeks ago, I noticed that when the engine and transmission is cold and going up a hill [after stopping at a corner and turning onto the main road], the transmission was quite reluctant to shift. In comparison, I used an alternative route with a gentler incline and no obvious shift delay. This weekend I did another comparison, driving the same route. The main difference was allowing the engine to idle for a minute and the shift delay was less obvious.

I am not sure if this is normal with shifts being delayed until the engine and transmission come up to normal operating temperature. Also I do not know whether the cooling system thermostat has been changed or is still original after 187,000KM. Indicator on the Temperature gauge sits at the half way mark when the engine is warm so appears to be OK

Are other owners noticing the same transmission shift delays in colder weather?

Cold Automatic Transmission Issues.doc

[Bargain]

I never experience transmission delay during winter before i flushed my tranmission (about 4 months ago @ 190,000 KM) and it's now happening, i believe i over filled it but i damage overflow bolt , i'm looking for new overflow bolt and gasket and do it again.

 

 

Edited June 6, 2016 by Bargain
wrong

[matt36415]

Cooler weather in Queensland? Are you keeping your car in cold storage? 

[nswnotill]

I have also noticed some slight changes in the auto. transmission operation and shifting on early moring start now it is getting cooler. However everything is normal after one or two minutes when I guess the oil warms up. I had the trans. oil changed (see previous discussion) around 2 months back at 160K  and I have put it down to a different brand of trans. oil which perhaps has slightly different characteristic to the original. After the warm up everything is normal and I am not concerned.

 

 

[trentmeyer23]

3 hours ago, matt36415 said:

Cooler weather in Queensland? Are you keeping your car in cold storage? 

It should be 1°C where I am on Saturday morning.

[campbeam]

Similar experience to nswotill. All ok when the oil is warmed up. A few months ago I did a change of transmission filter and oil in the pan (approx. 2.8 litres) using Chief brand synthetic ATFfrom SuperCheap. Immediately noticed difference in the gear changes which settled down. Next weekend, I checked the ATF level while transmission was cold.  Also done more oil changes by draining the oil pan (750ml - 800ml). My previous main concern was the oil level may have been a bit low.

Since then, I have been doing some more research considering flaring and the torque convertor seals. Now not too concerned.

This Saturday morning will be a good cold weather test. Maybe consider adding about 100ml of ATF.

[campbeam]

Solved. Reviewed servicing information and noted that the ATF level is checked with the engine running.

Drained oil pan and added 1800ml of new ATF.

Checked fluid level and now there is a drop,pause then another drop exactly as described [with the engine running and transmission in Park]. 

[mg85]

On ‎23‎/‎06‎/‎2016 at 10:57 PM, trentmeyer23 said:

It should be 1°C where I am on Saturday morning.

Funny how everyone seems to think it does not get cold in Queensland ay......

[campbeam]

1 C reading for Outside Temperature on Monday morning.

Even smoother gear changes now and no hesitation when accelerating out of a corner. Enjoying the increased responsiveness.