2004 dodge ram diesel automatic. when it's cold outside say 20's my truck refuses to shift properly. As the engine begins to warm up to operating temp all shifting issues go away. Until it's warmed up what a nightmare. Took it to Aamco because they recently rebuilt transmission and they say it's not the transmissions fault. Go figure. Fluids seem good, 100% synthetic. When cold stating out will not shift out of first easily. Even revving motor to 3 grand and letting off hoping for a shift. eventually during the warm up it begins to shift better, but still not easily shifting in to upper gears, especially overdrive as motor comes up to temperature these symptoms begin to go away, but not to my satisfaction. Aamco blames it on the ECM/PCM. Does this sound feasible to anyone. Once warmed up I can detect no problems. It seems to shift properly throughout all gears. This takes on average of around 15 miles or so to start working properly. I do let the truck idle for 10 to 15 minutes before ever hitting the road. I decided to come here and look for guidance before going to the dealer for another wallet emptying experience Thanks to all for this site..

 

There is a trans fluid temp sensor that delays shifting to aid in warm up.

 

Where on the tranny is this sensor located for one, and what exactly does this sensor accomplish????? Would it address the concern of this cold weather behavior???? I do properly let the truck idle before any use. Is it something that should of been detected by the Aamco transmission tech???? He claims no fault to his work, which is a common response by everyone covering their behinds?? Thanks again.... Pete.. Oh by the way prior to me going to Aamco and getting a complete rebuild by them, go figure, it was experiencing the exact same symptoms which I related to the Aamco tech on my most recent visit and he again pointed his fingers at every possible reason besides himself. I even explained before the rebuild he said it was transmission failure and I did ask what was the difference now?????? He couldn't give me a straight answer. These guys are supposed to be professionals... What crooks

 

I believe the sensor is in the line or on the trans cooler. It by passes the cooler, and will hold a gear longer to aid in fluid warm up.

 

Mine does the same thing sometimes. Takes forever to shift out of first when cold.

 

Catfish












Catfish621 it's nice to hear someone else has experienced this problem, in a nice sort of way. But have you ever tried to fix this much annoying issue?????? Thank you......Pete

 

I can understand the transmission needs to be warm to operate properly, but in my case after a good warm up period I'm not willing to accept this as something someone out there hasn't all ready experienced and found a fix to go with it. I do thank everyone for ideas on my behalf. Sometimes ideas can add up to a great deal which I'm trying to avoid...........

 

Warming up the truck doesn't get the trans fluid up to operating temps.

 

I think it's pretty normal for automatics to be sluggish in cold weather until they warm up some. My Honda takes a while too when it's real cold.

 

It is normal. If you also notice it will not go into over drive when it's cold