transmission slow to engage

[brokenrinker]

My wife's '99 4cylinder is slow to go into gear from park when cold. Is this common? Any tips.

[hill8570]

First check the transmission fluid level (with the engine running and everything warmed up) -- low tranny fluid can cause this.

Assuming the fluid level is OK, what sort of fluid are you running in the tranny? When was the last time the tranny had a drain-and-fill, or a more extensive fluid change? When you checked the fluid, what color was it? Did it smell burnt?

[JohnGD]

The ATF level could be low is one. Plugged strainer could make it behave like low fluid or low ATF pressure.

When was the last time the ATF was changed? Have you ever dropped the pan and clean it and the magnets? How about the strainer, was it ever replaced?

BTW, it shouldn't take more than about 1.5 second to engage into D or R.

[rusty9]

or the fact thats its just cold? i know mine doesnt like to shift into second when its below freezing in the mornings.

[JohnGD]

Maybe try Mobil-1 ATF? or SuperTech Mercon V, it's a synthetic blend suitable for DII/III applications at a fraction of the cost of M-1.

Originally Posted by rusty9

or the fact thats its just cold? i know mine doesnt like to shift into second when its below freezing in the mornings.

[brokenrinker]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure it's time for a ATF change. I like synthetic but I think it's pretty amazingly expensive?

[JohnGD]

How's the ATF level, BTW. This could be the primary reason.

If you've never dropped the pan to clean and replace the strainer there will be a thin layer of sludge next to the ATF pick-up port. Might not hurt. But I like to clean the sludge out get a new strainer in there.

M-1 ATF is about $8-9/qt. Walmart's SuperTech Mercon V Synthetic Blend is about half of that. I'd try ST Mercon V as a good value option. Dino DII/III is about $1 less than the ST Mercon V.

BTW, not all Mercon V is compatible with DII/III. So read the label. ST Mercon V is.

Originally Posted by brokenrinker

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure it's time for a ATF change. I like synthetic but I think it's pretty amazingly expensive?

[sc2dave]

You might want to try Marvel Mystery Oil. According to the website,you Can run this in the trans to free up sticky valves solenoids,etc. ACCORDING TO THE SITE!!!

[akhoundog]

my 95 2.2 is slow when below 0 too. even after i had the tranny place drop the pan and change the oil. i wouldnt say it takes longer than a second tho.

i just installed a pan heater on the tranny and use it below +10.

[96ToyoCam164K]

I find camry's run alot better in hot, humid weather than even a 35 degree day.

Just yesterday temps got to 60-70 after weeks of 30s and 40s and car started up in a milisecond. Contrast that to 25 degrees, where it spends about a second and half cranking.

When 1st starting for the day, I'd give 10-30 seconds to warm up everything. I also pause when shifting from reverse to drive.

I flushed and drained my fluid and the differential earlier this month, but haven't felt much a difference in drivability. I used Pennzoil high mileage and then a quart of the Vavoline red.

Transmission fluid's seem to gone up quite a bit. I had a bad leak in my 87 Century and would add monthly, that was in 2006. A flush, drain and refill plus differential used about 12 quarts...about $65. But it was fun seeing all the gunk come out!

[Spitfire]

just let the car warm up a little. i got an ATF flush done a few months ago and mine still shifts from R to D pretty slowly when i dont let it warm up. glad i found this thread i got a little worryed lol.