Tranny Problems in Cold Temps

[DSteven]

For the past two years, the transmission in the 97 Stratus I drive has problems when the ambient temp is colder than ~35'F, until the trans and engine temps start to warm. I will back it out of the driveway and drive off and it works fine. Then when accelerating from every stop, it feels as though it's slipping. I press the gas, and the engine revs to ~1500rpm as if in neutral. Then it grabs and goes. It will continue to do this until it warms up, then it works fine. If temps are above ~35-40'F, this never occurs. It is a 41TE trans with ~160,000 miles and fluid/filter changes every 20,000m. It doesn't matter which fluid is in it (ATF+3, +4, Maxlife, Mercon V). When it is doing this behavior, it makes the 'chrysler buzz' for a long time. If I use the autostick and keep it in 1, this does not happen. It seems as though something is having trouble shifting the trans back to gear #1 in colder temps. The trans has not displayed any other signs of trouble, doesn't slip (otherwise), and works well. I checked with a trans shop, which said at 160,000 it's just worn and due for a rebuild. I don't really think so, but maybe wrong. Any advice and opinions? Thanks you!

 

[caprice_2nv]

I would try and find an online forum for cars with that transmission and do a search on the problem. I don't know what the buzz noise is but I assumed it might be a solenoid or something for 1st gear, since it does it from park/neutral or reverse to drive or coasting to a stop 2-1. It's possible that it might be something that easily fixed if that makes your holidays any better lol. If it's been doing it 2 years I have a hard time believing the problem is due to worn clutches.

 

[oilboy123]

Might be worth trying auto-rx if no obvious mechanical problems are found to be a cause.

 

[Big Jim]

Many times transmission "morning sickness" is due to aged seals that allow some bypassing until they warm up and limber up. Sometimes fresh fluid, or fresh fluid with seal conditioners help. Sometimes there is no cusr short of a trans overhaul.

Even though you tried Maxlife (which includes seal conditioners) it may not have been enough. At this point you may benefit from something stronger.

I would do the research mentioned above and if nothing else is identified look into a stronger additive with a higher level of seal conditioners.

 

[unDummy]

VB wear could be an issue. Solution is to rebuild or replace the VB.

I'd wager a bad solenoid or wiring to/fro that VB. You should be able to clean up and resistance test the transmission wiring, vehicle and chassis grounds, and the ECU/TCM harness.
Test sensors, solenoids, and other drivability components that your vehicle has. Could be TPS or speed sensor not working when cold.

Worse case scenario is that the transmission truly needs a rebuild.

For a look at the VB parts, visit the transmissionpartsusa website and type in the 41te or a604 into the search engine. Expand all products on the page. Notice the shift solenoid assembly, the solenoid repair kit, the 'sure cure', speed sensors,.......

A detailed debug on a transmission is sometimes not worth it. Its always just easier to sell 'the complete rebuild'.

 

[DSteven]

Thank you for the help! After some checking, the output speed sensor and solenoids seem the culprits. The were two instances where the speedometer went to 0 and the car slammed into 2nd gear. Both went away with a battery disconnect/codes clear. One more time of that and it may need an overhaul-lol, then it can get limited-slip for winters! But for now, fix the little things. Again, thank you!