2010 Chrsyler 300: Shifting when cold.

[Topo]

I have a 2010 Chrysler 300 with the 3.5 Liter and 4 Speed Automatic Trans. It doesn't like to shift right away in the cold whether. Is this normal with a Chrysler Transmission until it warms up, won't shift up into 3rd gear for about 3 miles. My Equinox never had an issue, would shift no matter what the weather is. I was told is not the transmission fluid, this transmission is a Mer.Benz design transmission and it is computer controlled, so fluid plays a very little part in the shifting. Is this True?

 

[rjacket]

Don't know, but I still can't believe you can buy automatics with 4 speed transmissions.

I had a very new Dodge Avenger as a rental recently. I was really impressed with the quiet and comfortable ride and also the engine but for some reason it still had a 4 speed transmission. That alone spoilt a very good car.

 

[91344George]

Topo:

It is still under warranty correct?

Take it into the dealer and let them deal with the issue.

It may be TCM reflash or it also could be a mechanical defect.

Most importantly when you take it into the dealer get the issue documented in writing on the repair order make sure you get a copy stating there IS a problem.

 

[Topo]

Originally Posted By: rjacket
Don't know, but I still can't believe you can buy automatics with 4 speed transmissions.

I had a very new Dodge Avenger as a rental recently. I was really impressed with the quiet and comfortable ride and also the engine but for some reason it still had a 4 speed transmission. That alone spoilt a very good car.


Well all the 2011 models have the new 6 speed in them, at least with the 3.6 Liter Penestar, they have a 8 speed coming soon I think. But really the 4 speed shifting actually is pretty smooth and I kind of like it, it just doesn't like the 20 degrees and below weather. Sometimes it sounds like those CVT Transmissions.

 

[Topo]

Originally Posted By: 91344George
Topo:

It is still under warranty correct?

Take it into the dealer and let them deal with the issue.

It may be TCM reflash or it also could be a mechanical defect.

Most importantly when you take it into the dealer get the issue documented in writing on the repair order make sure you get a copy stating there IS a problem.


The funny thing is I had it in the dealer for a cluncking issue when going into reverse. But a real bad clunk when shifting down from 2nd gear to 1st or in the reverse order. They look to see if the transmission needed updated software, it didn't. They kept it for 3 days and they could only produce the clunk once. They told me the transmission fluid levels where good. They said don't worry about it. As for the not shifting until the engine is up in temp a bit, I was told this is normal..I just don't buy it. I guess they probably think it will last 100,000 miles and than it will be my problem.

 

[eljefino]

I can see them delaying torque convertor clutch engagement until the fluid warmed up *slightly* but 3 miles is a long time and you should at least make 3rd if not 4th.

I'm interested in how this turns out.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: rjacket
Don't know, but I still can't believe you can buy automatics with 4 speed transmissions.


Well, you can't. At least not from Chrysler. That was a 2010 model. They now have 6 (front-drive) or 8 speed (rear drive v6) automatics in most, if not all, Chrysler and Dodge cars. The fullsize Rams get 5-of-6 (6 forward gears, but only 5 used in sequential shifting, the other being reserved for tow/haul mode or kickdown) or 6-speed automatics.

That said, I liked 500 ft-lbs of torque from a big-block v8 and 4 or even 3 gears in the transmission like the old days. But times change.

 

[NHGUY]

Chrysler's delay TC lockup until the engine is warmed,my 88 Aries A413 waits until the temp gauge is 1/4 of the way up,the 02 Caravan waits until full warmup.Never had a 3rd gear issue though.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: Topo
I have a 2010 Chrysler 300 with the 3.5 Liter and 4 Speed Automatic Trans. It doesn't like to shift right away in the cold whether. Is this normal with a Chrysler Transmission until it warms up, won't shift up into 3rd gear for about 3 miles. My Equinox never had an issue, would shift no matter what the weather is. I was told is not the transmission fluid, this transmission is a Mer.Benz design transmission and it is computer controlled, so fluid plays a very little part in the shifting. Is this True?



Well, a number of things. First, if its got a 3.5 engine, the transmission is NOT related to a Benz. That would be the W5A580 5-speed that goes behind the Hemi engines in the 300, although it did get used for maybe 1 model year (not 2010) behind the 3.5

It IS a fully computer-controlled automatic, though, and it will delay or omit torque convertor lockup until the fluid reaches some minimum temperature. That is probably what you're feeling. Count VERY carefully- it should go into 4th even if it doesn't lock the convertor. 3 miles isn't that unexpected, my old '93 Vision with a direct ancestor of that transmission (mine was a 42LE) would wait until the temp gauge was to about 60-70% of normal operating temp before starting the full TC lockup schedule.

Being computer controlled only makes the fluid that much MORE important as far as things like torque convertor lockup shudder, "bump stop" and other oddball sensations, not less.

 

[Topo]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
I can see them delaying torque convertor clutch engagement until the fluid warmed up *slightly* but 3 miles is a long time and you should at least make 3rd if not 4th.

I'm interested in how this turns out.


Well it was 20 degrees but the wind chill it was probably closer to 0 degrees out, it was crazy cold out. I have to reflect back on how far I drove before it shifted, I would roughly say it made it to 3rd gear buy 1.5 to 2 miles, not 3 miles. I wasn't going to push it to shift either, I was only driving like 40 max.

 

[Topo]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Topo
I have a 2010 Chrysler 300 with the 3.5 Liter and 4 Speed Automatic Trans. It doesn't like to shift right away in the cold whether. Is this normal with a Chrysler Transmission until it warms up, won't shift up into 3rd gear for about 3 miles. My Equinox never had an issue, would shift no matter what the weather is. I was told is not the transmission fluid, this transmission is a Mer.Benz design transmission and it is computer controlled, so fluid plays a very little part in the shifting. Is this True?




Well, a number of things. First, if its got a 3.5 engine, the transmission is NOT related to a Benz. That would be the W5A580 5-speed that goes behind the Hemi engines in the 300, although it did get used for maybe 1 model year (not 2010) behind the 3.5

It IS a fully computer-controlled automatic, though, and it will delay or omit torque convertor lockup until the fluid reaches some minimum temperature. That is probably what you're feeling. Count VERY carefully- it should go into 4th even if it doesn't lock the convertor. 3 miles isn't that unexpected, my old '93 Vision with a direct ancestor of that transmission (mine was a 42LE) would wait until the temp gauge was to about 60-70% of normal operating temp before starting the full TC lockup schedule.

Being computer controlled only makes the fluid that much MORE important as far as things like torque convertor lockup shudder, "bump stop" and other oddball sensations, not less.


My dad being an old timer told me the exact same thing, You guy's are pretty darn smart. I believe everything you are saying, it makes perfect sense. I have another question, do you think I should get my transmission fluid changed, it has 54,000 miles on it and the Chrysler Dealer and Belle Tire Tech said there is no need to change it, in fact the Chrysler Dealer said it was full and looks normal. I really wanted to change it under the severe duty as I bought it with 27,000 miles and I don't know what other people do when they drive.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: Topo

My dad being an old timer told me the exact same thing, You guy's are pretty darn smart. I believe everything you are saying, it makes perfect sense. I have another question, do you think I should get my transmission fluid changed, it has 54,000 miles on it and the Chrysler Dealer and Belle Tire Tech said there is no need to change it, in fact the Chrysler Dealer said it was full and looks normal. I really wanted to change it under the severe duty as I bought it with 27,000 miles and I don't know what other people do when they drive.


I had to go back and see what year the car was. Being a 2010, it came with ATF+4 from the factory. I wouldn't change that until more like 80-90k miles, or whatever the "severe duty" schedule in your owners manual calls for. ATF+3 pretty much had to be dumped before 60,000 miles or it would start getting screwy and giving lockup shudder, but +4 is a fully synthetic fluid with much better oxidation resistance and much slower additive depletion rates than +3 had. Your manual *might* say dump at 60k for severe service, and if it does then just go ahead and do it if it makes you feel better. But use ATF+4 again, and with ABSOLUTELY NO magic additives like that "Lubegard" spooge.

 

[Topo]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Topo

My dad being an old timer told me the exact same thing, You guy's are pretty darn smart. I believe everything you are saying, it makes perfect sense. I have another question, do you think I should get my transmission fluid changed, it has 54,000 miles on it and the Chrysler Dealer and Belle Tire Tech said there is no need to change it, in fact the Chrysler Dealer said it was full and looks normal. I really wanted to change it under the severe duty as I bought it with 27,000 miles and I don't know what other people do when they drive.


I had to go back and see what year the car was. Being a 2010, it came with ATF+4 from the factory. I wouldn't change that until more like 80-90k miles, or whatever the "severe duty" schedule in your owners manual calls for. ATF+3 pretty much had to be dumped before 60,000 miles or it would start getting screwy and giving lockup shudder, but +4 is a fully synthetic fluid with much better oxidation resistance and much slower additive depletion rates than +3 had. Your manual *might* say dump at 60k for severe service, and if it does then just go ahead and do it if it makes you feel better. But use ATF+4 again, and with ABSOLUTELY NO magic additives like that "Lubegard" spooge.


I have to pull out my owners manual cd to go over what it say's for severe duty. Thanks for doing the legwork for me, it's very much appreciaed.

 

[SteveSRT8]

My car calls for trans service at 30k miles severe and 60k normal. But it's a 5 speed NAG 1.

The cold weather thing is only noticeable on my car in the first mile or so in very cold (under 40 F) weather. I was up in the frozen north one year with it and it was 17 degrees and it still dropped the "cold programming" within a mile or so.

FWIW all my GM products do the exact same thing if you pay attention.

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: rjacket
Don't know, but I still can't believe you can buy automatics with 4 speed transmissions.


Well, you can't. At least not from Chrysler. That was a 2010 model. They now have 6 (front-drive) or 8 speed (rear drive v6) automatics in most, if not all, Chrysler and Dodge cars. The fullsize Rams get 5-of-6 (6 forward gears, but only 5 used in sequential shifting, the other being reserved for tow/haul mode or kickdown) or 6-speed automatics.

That said, I liked 500 ft-lbs of torque from a big-block v8 and 4 or even 3 gears in the transmission like the old days. But times change.


4 speed transmission standard on 2.4SE

Yes on a big engine with a lot of torque, less gears can be more fun, but on regular size / smaller engines, more gears help you access the engines torque more quickly in more situations.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Yeah, when they use the 4 speed autobox on the four bangers they put in a very high stall TC that tries hard to fool you into thinking you have some power.

 

[Nick R]

My cruze does something similar. It shifts higher than usual when extremely cold, and won't shift into 6th at all till it warms up a bit. I can override that with the Manual mode, shift into 6th, and then revert back to drive. The past couple days have gotten a few really cold starts. New job, at a ski resort.

 

[Highline9]

I know that Bores and valves get tighter in valvebody in cold weather. May be a minor hydraulic problem associated with cold temperatures.

 

[SteveSRT8]

It's not, it's a normal cold start program used in many different vehicles.

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: rjacket


Yes on a big engine with a lot of torque, less gears can be more fun, but on regular size / smaller engines, more gears help you access the engines torque more quickly in more situations.


That's what I meant by "times change." Otherwise there'd be no way in heck that fullsize pickups with less than 5-liter normally aspirated engines could do what they do today. I'd also wager that if you stuck the new Pentastar v6 with a 4-speed transmission the old 4.0 straight six with the same gearbox would hold with it or even have an edge for the first eighth of a mile from a standing start in a vehicle as heavy as the 4-door Wrangler.