what would cause my automatic trans to take extra long time shifting into 3rd gear when trans is cold?

Question

this is a 1997 dodge neon,the only time it does this is the first shift of the day ,after it is get warm trans works great

Answer 1

Change your fluid and filter in the transmission. I had weird shifting problems like that as well with my Durango. I took it to a mechanic who siad after so many miles the fluid needs to be changed, he changed the fluid and filter and my trans works like a champ now. :)

Answer 2

It is true that some vehicle transmissions do lock-out high gear until the engine/trans warms up a little bit. My '95 Neon Sport had the three speed automatic, and always promptly shifted into third even during cold weather. Since you ask, I assume this is a new development. I would check to be sure that the trans fluid is not too low - this can definitely prevent up-shift, especially when cold. Good luck.

Answer 3

I had an Oldsmobile with the same speedometer issue. I crawled under it and noticed that the speedometer cable was mostly disconected from the trani so I screwed it back in and it worked fine after that. Since that's a 95 I would guess that there is a lot of electronic sensors on that vehicle. So if there is a short or anything it could mess up multiple sensors. Also it could be something as simple as an old EGR valve that needs to be replaced. I had different error codes on my Olds and when I replaced the $15 EGR valve and reset the ECM, they went away,... for awhile. Then they started coming back and I had an old friend check out my car. He finally figured out that it was my coils. I think that your car is newer than the coil stage but I don't know for sure. (something you might want to check) But if for some reason your ECM thinks your engine isn't producing the power it's supposed to, it's perfectly reasonable for your trani to downshift. That's what I hate about newer cars with all their electronic stuff. One simple thing like an EGR or O2 sensor can make your car act like its on it's last leg when it's really perfectly fine. I guess that's why mechanics can charge at least $60 an hour for labor.

Answer 4

The computer holds alot of cars in lower gear to warm up the engine and fluid. I lie to mine cause cold fluid is the life of a transmission. I always every car, disconnect radiator ATF lines and hook to a large after market trans cooler I bought.

Answer 5

I am not sure exactly, but I know in our 1993-1998 cars (our personal cars) we always have to warm them up for about 30 minutes. You may want to check your transmission fluid and antifreeze levels as well. I only say that because sometimes it has nothing to do with the car being "cold" but has to do with not getting enough tranny fluid to the transmission. Even though it works fine through out the day, there still may be a problem and the engine is warning you with that first jolt in the morning.

Answer 6

2 possible answers. If it is going into O/D but not lock up, this is normal. This is your government taking control of your car. If your trany doesn't go into lock up, it warms up the engine faster. Thus putting your car into the emission thresh-hold faster. If it isn't even going into Overdrive all together. It could be, because your filter is plugged and fluid isn't as thin, so it has a harder time pumping through.

Answer 7

you have a problem with the front clutch piston it is either cocking when trying to apply the front clutch or the seal is getting worn time for an overhaul in regards to phily911d answer if your filter is clogged you have major problems

Answer 8

it is as you stated -- a dodge and cold weather... it's like jell-o when it warms up it flows .... cold fluids flow slowly ... the other consideration might be that you need to change the transmission fluid in yo ride.....