JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

Automatic transmission by the way. I've noticed it more and more lately. Not really a big problem just wanted to get some feedback. It only happens after I just start driving. I know the transmission is cold but every gear shifts fine except my 3rd gear drags on and waits till about 2500-3000rpm to shift. This is also in like a 35mph zone so It's not like I'm haulin' ass. It's not even cold weather yet and its acting up like this. Any possible reasons why it's doing this. I just got my oil changed recently and they check all the levels/cap everything off so I know I'm not low on tranny fluid.

JWaldz

Godzilla

Is your engine at operating temperatures?

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

Well, this is startup. For example, I start the car and sit for a min for idle to go down. Then I'll drive and for the first 5 min or so the gear will do this. It seems it stops once the engine/tran is warmed up.

ESQ

Has your ATF ever been changed? Your ECU chooses when to shift, but I'm not sure what sensor inputs it considers. Tach for sure, but there may be others like temperature.

Just as an aside: It's good not to get the revs up until your engine is at operating temperature. Most engine wear occurs before the oil heats up.

awpsome

mines does the exact same thing.
but i just leave it not a big deal to me. haha only in the mornings it does is OCCASIONALLY

fightman80

Mine does the same thing. I brought it into a transmission shop, and had them check it out. They told me that it was common, that it was some sort of sensor, and that it was not a big deal. They told me that once it stops shifting, to bring it in and then it'll be worth fixing. They told me that I could fisibly drive it like that for years without having any serious issues!

stir_fry_boy

My V6 Camry did that, and my 02 T4R does it. I always let it idle a few minutes before driving but on my 02' it does it in 2nd not 3rd. It doesn't slip and my fluid has been changed every oil change (3K) since I got it. I always thought it was some kind of saftey thing that Toyota did.

Godzilla

Since your vehicle is not at operating temps. the transmission will not go into O/D. Your idle may go down a bit, but it most likely is not at ~700rpm, and your temp gauge will still be reading very close to C.
Please try the search feature.

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

ok, im glad to know it's not serious and there are more of yall out there with the same thing. Thanks

98runner210

Yeah mine does it too. Seems even a minor cool front in the morning makes it really make sure the tranny is warmed up. If it it below 70F in the morning then it noticeably holds 2nd gear longer. I am now making sure to warm it up a bit more since the entrance ramp to the highway is less than half a mile from my garage and you have to get up to speed fast. I don't like pushing it hard when the motor and trans are still cold.

hotlavaaaa

Mine does the same at every cold startup.

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

I guess I'll just have to start my car sooner to let it warm up cus It doesnt seem to be a problem after driving for about 10 minutes or so. Might just save up for a remote start haha (probably not )

96743runner

My 98 does that too.

It seems to be a Toyota thing, since my mom's Lexus ES 330 does it too.

Godzilla

You really do not need to run it too long before hand. Even if you let it run for 5 minutes, depending on the temperatures outside, your engine will still be cold and this will still occur. I am not sure about Arkansas, but when I lived in Ontario and the temps hit -30C you still only ran it for a few minutes. Excessive idling is not the best.

hross14

Ok being serious now--it takes a bit for the warm coolant to hit the radiator. The coolant stays in the block and doesnt circulate to the radiator a-la LS1 series motors style. So even though the heater is warm the tranny and radiator may still be cold.

I actually drove around for a bit at an OHV park for about five minutes and just out of curiousity i touched the bottom of the radiator--it was still cool to the touch. I would say just be nice/gentle to the motor in the morning until you reach operating temp--but all in all it sounds normal

hross14

Funny time--I know mine does also--i just give HER a couple drinks and its a quick 3rd and then straight to home!!!! HHAaaaa

JWaldz

iTrader: (1)

well my normal start-up consists of sitting in the car until my idle goes down. Thats about the only sit time I do. Arkansas weather is shify. It can be 40 and rainy one day and be 70 with sunshine he next. We really haven't seen any cold cold weather, I think 50's was the lowest we've seen so far. If excessive idling is bad then thanks for the heads up, I wont do it. I normally try not to have a heavy foot cus gas mileage is bad enough but if any other problems persist with the shift timing I'll take it in to get looked at. Thanks for the input guys

JWaldz

FogRunner

It's actually because of emissions.

If you look at the older 4runners and pickups with the auto transmission there was a thermostatic switch (like the ones that turn on your radiator fans) in the engines block set for 135 degrees F. Until it hit 135F the over drive (4th gear) was locked out.

The reason for this is when you load up a cold engine at load RPMS, the fuel doesn't burn nearly as completely as it does if the cold engine is loaded up at higher RPMS.


And incomplete combustion in the engine = smog causing emissions ETC