cold = transmission trouble? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Thetick247 · 02-12-2008, 09:43 AM

So here's the problem... ('99 Camry, 4-cyl, LE, auto)

When it's cold (under 20 degrees or so) and the car has been sitting for a while (6+ hrs) it will barely move forward until the car warms up a bit. At first I thought it was engine components contracting just enough (and really worn rings) that I was loosing compression until it heated/expanded.

However, I realized that I could go in reverse pretty much with the same power as normal (maybe a little sluggish/weak). It only when I would put the engine in any of the forward drive gears that I would have the problem. The engine revs just fine, but there's zero or virtually zero forward propulsion until the car warms up a bit. Once the car begins to warm the power will increase with the temperature. When it gets to normal operating temp everything is just fine and actually runs really smoothly.

It's been too cold the last few days to check the tranny fluid, but I will once it warms up in a day or two (or when I find an underground parking garage) I will. Could my trouble really just be caused by low and/or old tranny fluid or is this a sign of something more serious?

Oh, and I'm taking a trip to Montreal in about a week, so cold weather reliability is definitely an issue.

Thanks.

bcsbadboys · 02-12-2008, 09:58 AM

My GF's Camry had that problem twice with this below zero weather. Using Mobil 1 ATF and the level is fine. Once she lets it idle a few extra minutes it seems to be fine.

Maybe some others will be able to describe what's happening.

sk8ersublime · 02-12-2008, 10:02 AM

my car has been idling high in the cold, about 2000+ until it warms up.

Camry-rulez · 02-12-2008, 10:58 AM

I have sometimes this problem too (the car won't drive after a cold engine start). but when the engine runs about 5-8 second's after start and then I put in D the problem disappear's.... hmm... freaky

BlueFusion6851 · 02-12-2008, 12:16 PM

It may be more or less just the cold temperature making the transmission fluid more viscous, but if you think you need it looked at, maybe you can get it looked at for free at a shop or dealership.

MOBB · 02-12-2008, 04:04 PM

I live in montreal and Im having alot of trouble getting my car warmed up in the morning.... This week is really gonna be cold I wish you all the luck during ur stay!

ROBS · 02-12-2008, 04:24 PM

Hmm...I have a similar problem, mine just seems to be a bit "sluggish" until it fully warms up. It had kinda concerned me, but not enough to do anything further about. I have even serviced my tranny not too long ago. I too would be interested if anyone knows whats up.

99Camry99 · 02-12-2008, 05:33 PM

That's what happens when it gets cold. The fluid gets thick and it doesn't flow as easy. Give it a minute or two and then you'll be ready for anything from your driveway to the highway. No problem. Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the fluid anyways.

bcsbadboys · 02-12-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Camry99

That's what happens when it gets cold. The fluid gets thick and it doesn't flow as easy. Give it a minute or two and then you'll be ready for anything from your driveway to the highway. No problem. Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the fluid anyways.

I agree. Although I was surprised it did this with Mobil 1 ATF. Maybe it doesn't flow as well as M1 engine oil. I don't know. Maybe it's just too damn cold.

Thetick247 · 02-12-2008, 06:10 PM

...I guess I won't be too concerned. I checked the fluid and it's a bit low I think (more toward the "cold" end of the dipstick even after driving around and warming it up). So I'll probably just add some fluid. My concern was that I hadn't really had the problem before (except once when it was below zero) when it was fairly cold. It's just disconcerting to hit the gas, hear the engine rev and go nowhere fast.

The color of the fluid was a good light orange for what that's worth. Are there any additives that can help keep it less viscous when cold, or is it not worth it since it's OK after warming up?

Thanks for the input.

goog1986 · 02-19-2008, 02:17 PM

I live in Montreal, and I have a similar problem with my 93 Camry... When the tranny is cold, the car doesn't move when I put it in Drive, put if I put it in "L", it will move without any problem... And after a few minutes, when the tranny gets hotter, it works fine but not perfectly... The gears are shifting too early and my overdrive is knocking. I just got my transmission fluid drained and replaced, and my car was fine before that in winter... weird... but I'm changing the tranny soon, because I don't think my overdrive problem is cold-related...

Hajoca · 02-19-2008, 02:42 PM

I have use M1 atf and now Dex VI from petro Can, both work well in the cold temps. You may have sticky valvebody.

.Camryman97. · 02-19-2008, 02:58 PM

my tranny shifts early when its cold but i think its suppose to do that so the engine doesn't get hurt from the high rpms and being cold at the same time i think almost every car will do strange things when driving in the cold its probably all apart of the process of warming up but some will probably do things there not supposed to do like not go into drive but thats probably because 20 below is extremely cold for any car to try to drive

thats my opinion