Transmission Problem

[insomniac]

I know it's a transmission problem that needs expert attention. All I would like to know is the possible causes of this problem, so that I'm armed with some knowledge when dealing with the mechanic.

The problem is: Transmission does not engage immediately when shifted into "D". It can take up to 5 seconds and some gas before it engages. I did a drain-and-fill of the ATF (temporary measure) and it's slightly better.

Inputs will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Quest]

you don't even reveal what sort of automobile type you are talking about?

Q.

 

[crazyoildude]

what car and trans? did you change the filter? Mileage? what fluid did u use?

 

[insomniac]

Kia Spectra
135,000km
ATF type SPIII

The filter was flushed/cleaned (it was clogged). Apparently, it is not a replaceable filter.

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the mechanics of a transmission basically the same, and, hence, the cause of the problem?

 

[The_Jeff]

Old dodges used to accidentally let the torque convertor drain when a check valve got wonky, and you had to let the pump fill them up before you could move.

Also you could have a sticky valve body, which controls the trans my directing fluid through a maze. Fresh fluid might help this.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: insomniac
Kia Spectra
135,000km
ATF type SPIII

The filter was flushed/cleaned (it was clogged). Apparently, it is not a replaceable filter.

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the mechanics of a transmission basically the same, and, hence, the cause of the problem?


Being that the filter is non serviceable and can only be accessed by disassembling the transmission, how was the conclusion arrived at that the filter was plugged?

The "filter" on these transmissions are typically just a metal screen, not a fibrous material like other models and rarely "plug".

 

[insomniac]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Originally Posted By: insomniac
Kia Spectra
135,000km
ATF type SPIII

The filter was flushed/cleaned (it was clogged). Apparently, it is not a replaceable filter.

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the mechanics of a transmission basically the same, and, hence, the cause of the problem?


Being that the filter is non serviceable and can only be accessed by disassembling the transmission, how was the conclusion arrived at that the filter was plugged?

The "filter" on these transmissions are typically just a metal screen, not a fibrous material like other models and rarely "plug".

Interesting. Well, a clogged/dirty filter was the first suspect. I don't know...assessed from the "dirtiness" of the ATF?

 

[insomniac]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Old dodges used to accidentally let the torque convertor drain when a check valve got wonky, and you had to let the pump fill them up before you could move.

Also you could have a sticky valve body, which controls the trans my directing fluid through a maze. Fresh fluid might help this.

I see. Besides a sticky valve, what else could be the cause?

 

[punisher]

Besides a sticky valve? Broken/cracked apply piston, bad apply piston seal, other seal leak. Giveaway is usually it takes longer to go into gear when warm as the fluid viscosity is lower.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: insomniac
I know it's a transmission problem that needs expert attention. All I would like to know is the possible causes of this problem, so that I'm armed with some knowledge when dealing with the mechanic.

The problem is: Transmission does not engage immediately when shifted into "D". It can take up to 5 seconds and some gas before it engages. I did a drain-and-fill of the ATF (temporary measure) and it's slightly better.

Inputs will be much appreciated.

Thank you.



I had a 67 Ford Fairlane that did just that when it was cold, as in 30°F or lower. A band adjustment helped a little but I ended up living with it for years.

 

[ag_ghost]

Are you certain the fluid level is correct? Is this problem occurring regardless of how warm the transmission is? I know from experience that low fluid level can be an issue when cold on some transmissions.

 

[SteveSRT8]

^^^Absolutely! Very tricky on my NAG1 trans, it is very finicky about the level.

Punisher gave you a nifty diagnostic trick I have used for years buying used cars. The engagement time is a critical item for revealing the possible condition of the trans.

Your trans is just like an engine, its oil pressure is the greatest when cold (even if regulated as most are) and should function quickly there. Many trans will misbehave when cold and then work better when warm because the fluid volume increases as it's heated up.