1997 DX shifting hard into 4th when cold

[area51]

I have a problem where when I first start my corolla on any day, (automatic) it shifts fine through the first 3 gears, and on the 4th or o/d I guess, it hesitates for a while sometimes up to a minute to shift into 4th. it's usually around 65 -70 that i can turn the engine is probably turning 4 grand or something in fourth.. is something wrong with the transmission or does it need the filter/fluid changed?

[Flashmn]

I'd try changing the fluids first.

[Timberland]

Most autos take a while to drop into OD when they're cold.

[Jake25]

HEY DUDE!!! lol mine does the same...

i have 96 1.8L

what i do is drive around my neighbor hiood and take it up to 40

upon braking i put it into the 2 lower gears and come to a stop

i put it into D and into N and then R and back to D and then when i go i rarely have a problem

i warm up the gears like that..

edit: whats the 'technical' name of the 1.8L? 4FE? hmm

[area51]

yeah, usuallly I just let it go until it shifts, once it does that first shift into 4th, it shifts into 4th fine after that, it's warmed up

[ALWilson]

Howdy,

my 97 t100 owner's manual says the transmission will not shift into 4th or O/D until the engine reaches operating temp. To check this watch the temp gauge and when it moves up off the pin and into the warmed up range see if it shifts ok.

The reason given for this feature, fuel efficency.