Transmission slips a bit in first when cold

[Aquineas]

I've noticed that when the car is cold and if I accelerate a bit too briskly, the transmission slips for a split second. I don't mean flooring it, just when I give it a bit more gas rather than ease into things. I don't generally push my car or my engine hard when it's cold (if anything I try to let the cruise control accelerate to highway speeds when I leave my house, as I live about a half mile from a highway).

My worry is that if I take it to the dealer, the tranny will already be warm and they won't see the problem. I suppose I can ask them to keep it overnight and then look at it first thing in the morning.

I'm keeping my eye on this one, as if this transmission goes, I want it to go sooner rather than later.

 

[Mark_888]

How do you know the transmission is slipping? The kind of lag most people report is due to the throttle sensor or transmission logic that is a software issue (which may take into account the egine temp and other associated factors) and not a mechanical slippage. Do you have some reason to suspect your issue is a mechanical slippage? Has it always been this way? Besides, if you are the original owner, your powertrain has a 10 year warranty.

 

[hwks1]

I seriously doubt that you are experiencing any mechanical slipping. Don't waste yours or your dealers time. Monitor the conditions - if its not repeatable and predictable then there is nothing wrong.

 

[Aquineas]

How do you know the transmission is slipping? The kind of lag most people report is due to the throttle sensor or transmission logic that is a software issue (which may take into account the egine temp and other associated factors) and not a mechanical slippage. Do you have some reason to suspect your issue is a mechanical slippage? Has it always been this way? Besides, if you are the original owner, your powertrain has a 10 year warranty.

No, it hasn't always been this way, that's why I believe it is a precursor of some future problem. I know the powertrain has a 10 year warranty, but it's a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, and I'm at 42K miles.

 

[Aquineas]

I seriously doubt that you are experiencing any mechanical slipping.

And you know this how?

Don't waste yours or your dealers time.

Worst advice EVER, considering a new transmission costs $12K. Transmissions are one part you want to get checked out if you're sensing a problem or have noticed a change. It doesn't take the dealer very much time to perform a diagnostic. I'd rather spend that time now than replace the transmission at 101K miles.

Monitor the conditions - if its not repeatable and predictable then there is nothing wrong.

Actually it looks like you missed the part where I said it *is* repeatable. When the car is cold, I can repeat it every time.

 

[Mark_888]

No, it hasn't always been this way, that's why I believe it is a precursor of some future problem. I know the powertrain has a 10 year warranty, but it's a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, and I'm at 42K miles.

The software that controls the transmission has a learning mode where it tries to determine your driving habits. Sometimes the memory gets reset and it has to start over again, making shifting more abrubt for agressive drivers. If there is really mechanical slippage, then usually you will hear/feel a "klunk" when it finally engages, rather than just a delay that may be software related. But if you really think it is a problem, get it checked out.