Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) no OD when cold and funny steering noise

[JKouzez]

i have a feeling this is due to the fact when i put in my aftermarket transmission temp gauge i just zip tied the factory sending unit to the frame does the pcm not need to see a certain temp before allowing OD. It will shift into OD after a few miles of driving and then be fine from there. Also when cold in the morning i think its the power steering pump makes a loud binding noise but then once it warms up or i guess i turn the wheels enough it goes away any ideas thanks alot.

 

[biggy238]

How cold is it outside? I started to say that it could be the electrical system not running at 14v but if you have 3rd, that's not the problem.

 

[JKouzez]

lets see it was about 20 here in the DFW area

 

[Extreme1]

The ECM needs to see a certain temp before it will allow overdrive shift or the TC to lock. I put my gauge temp sender in a T fitting that is screwed into the block mounted cooler so the stock sender could remain. With twins I'm guessing that you don't have that cooler anymore and since it doesn't get too cold down there you could put a resister in place of the sender. Do a search to get the correct ohm rating you need.

 

[AWray]

Buy a 1k ohm 1/2 watt resistor from Radio Shack. They come in a 5-pack for $0. 99. Insert the legs of the resistor in the plug and put some silicone around the resistor. Secure the harness to something where it will not get damaged. Your trans will shift as if it is 60+ degrees.



Thanks to Joe G. for this info. I did this to my truck this week and with temps below 30 degrees, the trans has shifted to OD every time.

 

[bmoeller]

transmission is covered, so i'll take #2. First thing I would do is, change the power steering fluid. Solved my cold weather growling noise.

 

[JKouzez]

thanks alot i will definatly get the resistor that should be easy enough and yea now that i think about it i have never changed the P/S fluid i bet that will difinatly fix it.

 

[SKargo]

I seem to get the PS and the brake groan when it's cold. I left my truck at work for a couple days when I went away for training. It was very cold. I came back, and started the truck, got the brake groan just barely touching the pedal. Got the steering groan, with the added benefit of the wheel not turning at all. I stopped trying, and ran the engine at 2K rpm's for a minute or two.

Grabbed the wheel, and it was good to go.



Fast forward to today, a couple days since then, it was cold last night, and it was groaning again. My wife and I went to WH for breakfast, and when we came out, I saw fluid on the ground. The PS resevoir was almost dry. I put some fuid in, and all seems good.

There is fluid from the resevoir on the axle and tie rod of my truck. '



It doesn't seem to be leaking, what the heck is up?

 

[tgrfan2]

My 95 shifts about the same in cold weather. I guess it helps the engine warm up a bit faster too. I added LubeGard PS additive to both my trucks when the PS noise started. That ended the problem. Flushing the fluid would be a better idea though.

 

[1dslram]

The reason for the resistor is the PCM needs to see 140* from the trans temp sender before it will shift into O. D.

Bruce