Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission question

[hpyman123]

When I start my truck first thing in the morning the transmission goes into reverse fine but there is about a 10 second lag before going into drive. Once the truck warms up and I drive for a while it quits doing it. I've seen the cause of this on here before but can't find it in the archives. Please someone enlighten me.

 

[JLandry]

Dumb question: Is the transmission fluid level correct? Not too high or too low?



A delay in gear engagement of up to 5 seconds is considered normal if the truck hasn't been driven for awhile due to transmission fluid draining back from the torque convertor to the transmission pan. Presumably it takes a few seconds for the torque convertor to refill with fluid when the transmission is placed into gear. According to the service manual, if delayed engagement exceeds 5 seconds, then:"inspect pump bushing for wear. Replace pump house. " But you're saying reverse is fine and only drive is affected, so that would seem to rule out a fluid drain back issue.



When this condition occurs, have you tried putting the gear selector into 2nd or 1st to see if that makes any difference?



John L.

 

[MAleshire]

Just for curiosity, upon startup, shift into neutral and let the truck idle for 30-45 seconds. Then shift into reverse, backup, shift into drive and go. If this solves the problem then fluid drain back is the problem and nothing to worry about.

 

[hpyman123]

To answer your questions the fluid is fine. I just changed it about 1000 miles ago. I know the issue is fluid drain back but if I remember correctly this was caused by a ball valve in a line to the heat exchanger on the side of the block or something like that. There was a post about it a while back but I don't remember the details. If I put the truck in neutral and let it run it shifts and does fine. It's really not a big deal but I was just curious.

 

[Pat@BD]

To answer your questions the fluid is fine. I just changed it about 1000 miles ago. I know the issue is fluid drain back but if I remember correctly this was caused by a ball valve in a line to the heat exchanger on the side of the block or something like that. There was a post about it a while back but I don't remember the details. If I put the truck in neutral and let it run it shifts and does fine. It's really not a big deal but I was just curious.

There are a couple of things that could be. Try adjusting the manual shift linkage first. Somtimes it doesnt go all the way into park which can cause it to drain back. Sometimes it can be a warn valvebody causing it. Usually it is going to come through the valvebody though.