Thread: Auto transmission slow to spool up

I can answer the slight issue of not seeming to go into fourth from cold, that is the lockup clutch not engaging until certain temperature requirements are met in the ECU. Mine takes about 4klms depending on how cold it has been over night so nothing to worry about. As for your other issue I'm sure there may be wisdom from others on that.

Nick

The transmission will not go into lockup when engine is cold,I think it is around 82c that this occurs.So that is quiet normal,it is designed that way.If it doesn't reach correct operating temp reasonably quickly maybe your thermostat needs replacing.

For that hesitation in drive,it suggests the pump is taking some time to circulate the atf.Might be a sign of age,but try a ATF and filter change and see how it goes.

Trev.

Originally Posted by Roberto

When my2003 TD5 (200,000kms) is first started when cold and then placed in "Drive" it feels as if there is no drive from the engine to the wheels. After a few seconds it takes up and then drives normally. The problem is worse if the vehicle hasn't been driven for a few days.
ATF level seems OK.
This has been going on for over a year. The only other slight issue is a delay in selecting fourth at highway speeds when the vehicle is cold. It tends to stay in third and revs at about 3000 at 100 kph.
I am preparing for a lengthy outback trip.
Should I trust the transmission, or is it on the way out?


Bob

When did you last service the Auto? Sounds very much like symptoms you see with dirty filter//old fluid. The arduous service schedule specifies 20K km service intervals, and I've had a highly regarded auto rebuilder tell me he recommends 20K km.

I'd suggest that if you have any doubts at all get the auto serviced by a ZF specialist. The problem with the diy "just change the filter and fluid" approach is that the material to restrict/clog the filter has to come from somewhere, and that has to be either the auto clutch plates or the torque convertor lockup clutch.

I had slow pickup on R and D when cold about 18 months ago, and followed the stock advice on the forum to change the filter and fluid. I ended up having the filter change by a "well regarded in the used car trade" Auto specialist because the torx bolts on the filter had been rounded out, and it was much better for about 12 months.

When I did a change last september I found they'd left out the sump magnet, the fluid had metal in it and was generally pretty rooted. Still I managed to do a 3000km trip up though outback NSW and down the Strezlecki and back to Melbourne.

I have just had the Auto rebuilt in mine,and while it was worn the primary cause of failure was the Torque convertor lockup clutch had completely worn away and had started operating metal on metal resulting in metal flakes right through the auto.

Make of that what you will, but if you have shift problems it's a fairly good indicator the Auto has issues. Early intervention by someone who knows what they are doing is going to save you money in the long run.

cheers
Paul

Yep, I agree, get an auto transmission specialist to thoroughly service the auto, including a good clean out and a new internal filter. Mine was recently rebuilt because I didn't get it serviced properly regularly enough, so do yourself a favour and get it done. You might be surprised at the results.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using AULRO mobile app

As already mentioned, a service, filter & fluid is your first step before anything else.
A lot of delayed shifting in ZF boxes will be cured with a service. I do point out to customers that a service is not a magic wand repair to damage or wear that is already done. Ive spent many years rebuilding the ZF box in the D2, it is fine to service at 100K or 50K if you do lots of hard work, I generally dont subscribe to less than that.

Regards
Daz

Thanks for the replies. I will follow the unanimous advice and get an expert to service it.

Bob

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

As already mentioned, a service, filter & fluid is your first step before anything else.
A lot of delayed shifting in ZF boxes will be cured with a service. I do point out to customers that a service is not a magic wand repair to damage or wear that is already done. Ive spent many years rebuilding the ZF box in the D2, it is fine to service at 100K or 50K if you do lots of hard work, I generally dont subscribe to less than that.

Regards
Daz

Besides changing the oil and filter is there any other 'servicing' that can be done by a transmission specialist?

Originally Posted by CountP

Besides changing the oil and filter is there any other 'servicing' that can be done by a transmission specialist?

Yes, carefully check ALL of the ATF pipe union/joins.