auto trans issues

[deltas69]

2004 gt turbo automatic crusier..when the outside temp drops below 50 degrees F...the car does not engage reverse or drive until the engine and trans warns up for 30 minutes or more. cars sits outside under a carport..and is only driven on weekends by my wife...sits all week other wise. no problems with temps over 50 and into warmer weather..shifts as it should...i suspect the solonoids are just sticking due to the colder temps...is there cure a for this ? i've been told lucas trans additive might solve the problem thanks for any help...had to wait almost 45 minutes today at 44 degrees before the trans would engage...then shifted fine...

[chuzz]

Have you ever changed the fluid and filter in it? How many miles are on it? I'd suggest if you have over 50,000 miles on it to change the fluid and filter. Use ONLY Mopar ATF+4 fluid. For the filter, I buy the Power Torque kit at O'Reilly Auto Parts for $11.99. The part # is FK177. The filter fits tight and doesn't fall out like some of the ones from their competitors.

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by chuzz

Have you ever changed the fluid and filter in it? How many miles are on it? I'd suggest if you have over 50,000 miles on it to change the fluid and filter. Use ONLY Mopar ATF+4 fluid. For the filter, I buy the Power Torque kit at O'Reilly Auto Parts for $11.99. The part # is FK177. The filter fits tight and doesn't fall out like some of the ones from their competitors.

I used one of the licensed ATF+4® for your Chrysler® in the link below.
Licensed Brands | Chrysler ATF+4® Licensing Program

[deltas69]

thanks should have mentioned 145k bought it from the original owner three years ago with 141k on it..the original owner had a large stack of dealer maintinence records wher she took for service every 3k miles...the car is a 9.8 out of ten ..we havent had the trans fluid changed since we git it..i have added the proper fluid at times when it was needed...not sure where all those records are..i'd have to look to see if the fluid was changed before we got it..i know the water pump timing update was done at 100k...if the fluid was the cause...why would it work fine during the summer ?? thansk

[chuzz]

Viscosity changes with temperature. If that's the original fluid and FILTER, then the problem is probably a filter that's starting to clog with debris. Normal wear and tear from the clutch packs. IF you find the receipts, check for a fluid and filter change. The key here is the word FILTER. If all you find is a fluid flush, then that means they didn't remove the pan and put in a new filter, all they did was force out the old trans fluid and put fresh in it. That is NOT something I recommend, but what the hell do I know? I'm not and ASE certified mechanic. I've just been pulling my own wrenches for 45 years and have had minimal transmission issues. I change my fluid and filter ever 50,000 miles.

[deltas69]

Thanks for the help..everyone...one thing I hear about trans fluid changes from the shops I call on...I'm in the parts business and deliver to dealers and independent shops...is that changing the fluid can be worse than leaving the old fluid in there..the fluid is nice and red, no odor and looks very clean...we drove the car today in mid 40 temps....and after a few seconds I put it in gear and it engaged fine,,,started backing ut the drive way...and the trans stopped...revved it a few times and it engaged...we drove about 15 miles with no problems..normally...after it sits for a week...the car has to warm up at least 30 minutes for the trans to engage...once it does..it works as it should until we return...as I mentioned the car is driven only on weekends as my wife seldom leaves the house during the week...thanks again for the replies...