Manual shifting in cold weather

[KoiMaxx]

Hey everyone,

We've recently been experiencing temperatures with wind chill hitting -40(C or F, it's the same at that point), and even though I use a block heater it still takes forever for the transmission temps to go up and allow it it to upshift. On occasion, I've tried running manual mode instead to get to speed without stepping too hard on the gas. I'm just worried there might be some negative impact to doing that. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[VStar650CL]

The only way to get the transmission warm in those kinds of temperatures is to temporarily loop back the fluid lines to the heat exchanger, block the outlet-tank side of the radiator, or both. Most axle greases start to solidify around -25C, so you're already in the range where a blowtorch might be a good idea.

[KoiMaxx]

Thanks VStar. Would there any major concern running in manual mode though? I drive conservatively while it's still getting up to temp, and it does eventually warm up after normal driving. I'm just unsure whether I should run the engine at 2.5K-3Krpm while it's not upshifting yet just to get to 30mph, or use the shifter instead.

[VStar650CL]

No problem. Manual mode is an artifice and doesn't really make the transmission do anything mechanically-different. It just tells the TCM to let you change the output ratio instead of deciding for itself. If running a higher RPM does the job for raising the temperature, it's all good.

[KoiMaxx]

Yeah, I understand that the gears are just virtual. I was just worried that it might cause undue wear on the sheaves when the fluid temps are that low. Also, it might ultimately be harmless to the engine, but I don't like revving it too high in the first minute or two of rolling out, hence wanting to upshift sooner. Thanks again VStar.

[C-ya]

My daughter's 2011 transmission has a very slight rattle when cold so I have her accelerate like Grandma and hold the rpm under 2,500 - less if possible and conditions allow. When it warms up, the rattle goes away. I'm like you - cold fluids don't flow as well and I'd rather not stress things until they get a little heat into them, engine or transmission.

My VW TDI was fixed under the dieselgate agreement and part of that fix was a retune of the TCM to hold the gears longer to rev the engine up more to allow for faster warm up. Not in my ride in Michigan, buddy. I bought a Euro TCM that allowed it shift like a diesel at all temps, not just when it warmed up.