G-Body

iTrader: (4)

Sometimes when it is under 20 degrees and my car is cold it will not shift from 2-3. It shifts from 1-2 just fine, but then will not shift into 3rd. This has happened about 4-5 times in the last two winters, it only happens when it is cold and the car has been sitting for at least 12 hours. Today it is 18 degrees and it took almost 2 miles to warm up enough to shift into 3rd, the other 3-4 times that this happened it took less than 4 blocks to shift into 3rd.

What is happening? Is this a common problem? What should I be doing letting the car sit and warm up? Or is driving it ok?

The trans has been doing that since I put the car together last august. The trans filter and fluid were changed when I put the car together, when I changed it the fluid was still red and there were no particles in the pan. I have since changed the fluid and filter again and the fluid was bright red, clean, and no particles.

brady346

iTrader: (13)

Mine goes into third and fourth fine but wont lock up under really cold conditions. Im interested in this thread also.

mattraypharbor

iTrader: (2)

theres a temp that ur tranny is set to lock up at its ither 95degrees or 195 im thinkin 195

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

Lock up cant occur generally unless the trans is over 130 degrees i have seen this vary and little but thats most cars ,
On the third shift problem I would guess sticking valve in valve body , when cold

nikon1999

iTrader: (22)

yeah..extreme cold weather like that makes all my vehicles cranky

camaro98z28

I was in Wisconsin this past week and it seemed nothing wanted to work on any Vehicle. LOL

G-Body

iTrader: (4)

Would it be more likely that the electronic shift solenoids are sticking and bad, or an accumulation of sludgein the valve body is stopping them from moving?

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

sludge is possible and a solenod but a solenoid would likley set a code

Gilbert@Ace Racing

Well the answer is subjective. It can only be opinion based until diagnosed. The valves may stick because they are simply stuck until they warm up. The 2-3 shift solenoid could be sticking as well. Based on you previous comments about the fluid condition it is not likely to have significant "sludge" build up on the valve assy. Another answer could be that the 3-4 clutch apply piston seals are worn and are bypassing hydraulic pressure until they warm up.

My opinion is the rubber seals are aged and are bypassing pressure.

g

G-Body

iTrader: (4)

I know that everything is just a guess till the trans is apart.

I just wanted to get an idea of what was more likely to see if I wanted to pull it apart now or wait for warmer weather. (I don`t have a garage now, and the driveway is really cold this time of year )

performabuilt

iTrader: (25)

All the above are possibilites but one way to determine cause would be to scan in each case and see if the command to shift was given

ChocoTaco369

well, i'm not sure how i feel about this one, but i'll post it anyway.

seafoam makes a product called seafoam trans tune.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/transTuneConsumer.htm

if your problem is due to sludge buildup or something sticking due to sludge, this could possibly help. i don't know how comfortable you are pouring a foreign substance into a tranny, particularly a 4L60E. honestly, i'm not 100% comfortable myself. just if this is a big problem for you, you may want to consider it.

i mean the product IS made my seafoam. their engine treatment stuff works wonders, so i imagine their trans stuff is good, too. it'll perform a transmission flush, so i imagine if you use this stuff, you'll have to change your fluid pretty quickly afterwards. at least consider it. it may help.