I've read that on most modern cars it is not necessary to allow the automatic transmission to warm up before driving.

What are your opinions on the older trucks and 4runners? I believe I have the A340H tranny. Is it hard on it to shift into gear at high idle (say about 1500rpm)? Or should I let it warm up first?

It's quite inconvenient because even now, it's not that cold yet (maybe 34F-ish at night) and it takes so long for the idle to drop down the to normal 800 or so in the mornings.

Any input is much appreciated,

Bryan

 

aft is fairly thin stuff, and it wont gel up like gear oil does so you should be fine.

best bet is to start it up, wait 30 or so seconds, and then head out. just dont beat on 'er too hard until it does warm up

 

X2 You could wait a couple minutes to let the engine oil warm up as well.

 

so you dont think the higher idle before it is very warm would harm the tranny at all?

 

I think if anything it would help get the ATF moving and warm, which is what the tranny wants, not too warm, not too cold.

 

Nope... It won't hurt it. The only problem with the cold temps is your tranny won't shift into OD and your torque converter won't lock up until your engine coolant temp gets up to 70 degrees C (158 degrees F). As others have mentioned, I wait approx 30 seconds before driving off, and I take it easy on the throttle until I see the engine temp needle start to come up.