Transmission lag in cold temperatures

[Elias828]

My v6 gas automatic transmission has some serious lag in cold weather starts. It only happens when I first try and drive off in the morning, in reverse or drive. The rest of the day it seems fine. Anything I should consider?

[thelazygreenfox]

My 2.4 cyl gasser transmision lags for 30 secs in the cold as well. Doesn't seem to be a problem though.
You could adjust the shift point at the MPFI if need be. Does it shift normally in the warmer weather?

I'd leave it alone if it shifts normally in the warm weather.

TLGF

[Big-Bird]

My L400 needs to run for at least 5-10 minutes in extreme cold or I get laggy gear engagement. I attribute that to cold t-fluid and stiff valves in the hydraulic mechanisms.

You could try a tranny system flush which will get all the fluid, even the torque converter fluid, changed with fresh stuff. Draining the pan only gets about 40% of the total fluid volume.

[Elias828]

Yes everything is normal during warmer weather. And once I'm rolling in cold weather it is fine for the rest of the day. It is just a little jarring when it does engage, I'm concerned that I'm doing damage. I have to cross a serac of hardened ice and snow to get out of my driveway so I can not just roll out I need to apply some RPM.

[jgrundahl]

I have the same lag with my 1998 Diesel. I added a bit of oil to the transmission. Seems to be working fine now.