tranny question [Cold start=hard shift]

[LTUDSM]

Hey guys, here is my question: When I start my car cold, the gears won't mesh smoothly. I mean they're grinding between shifts. But, when my car gets warmed up, I can easily shift gears without any grinding. Where is the problem? Is it supposed to be like that?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Before I done anything, I'd get either a heavy grade of Mobil 1 full synthetic oil, or a synchromesh transmission fluid. It's more prevalent in the cold weather as the 80-90 is like peanut butter, especially in the Antarctic. Oh, I mean Pennsylvania.

Try that first.

Good Luck

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

I agree. I use BG syncroshift myself.

When was the last time the fluid was changed?

I would not be too alarmed.

 

[GrngoColombiano]

I don't know if this is the same problem but it happens mostly at startup or closely after startup. When shifting into reverse, it won't click into reverse. Instead of forcing it which I know will cause damage, I usually bring it back to neutral into first...do that like 2 times and then it usually clicks into reverse.
WOuld this be a fluid problem?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

If it's only reverse, I would look at my cable adjustments. I would also get those bearings that replace the rubber shifter bushings. That should help. If not, check the bracket and make sure it's tight. Sometimes they work loose.

Good Luck

 

[daveyfx]

If it's just on cold starts like you say then I would consider switching to a heavier trans fluid. I personally use Pennzoil Synchromesh and found that in colder temps it can take a good 10 minutes of driving for the gears to feel like they are fully meshing.

You might want to try running straight RedLine MT90 fluid in there.