Transmission won't shift until car is at running temp

[npeach5]

Hey guys! I own a 1994 q45t and for some reason the transmission won't shift into 3rd, 4th, or overdrive until the car is warm. Also if I could start the car and put it into drive it won't go anywhere unless the revels are high. Only in 3rd will it move when the car is cold. Not drive. Idk if this is odd or just something that happens. I'm thinking it's a shift solenoid because the car still does shift into those gears when it gets warmed up. Thanks in advanced.

[Q451990]

to NICO! I would try dropping the pan and replacing the filter, cleaning the magnets, etc. It could be fluid starvation if the filter is really bad. You could also try running the transmission diagnostics in the factory service manual, but the transmission has to be at operating temperature to run the diagnostic. www.infinitiservicemanual.com

[npeach5]

what do you mean cleaning the magnets?

[ArmedAviator]

There are magnets in the bottom of the pan. Usual wear materials are collected by them.

My guess is ATF starvation because of low fluid and as it heats up and expands, you just barely have enough. This is BAAAAD. If clutches are engaging with light pressure than the lose clutches are being burnt up. They will be burnt up in minutes like that.

Check fluid level first. Remember to check it when at normal temp and on a level service in park. Run the transmission through all gears and then check. If not in the proper marks, fill to correct point (1/8 quart at a time).

If your fluid level is correct, then my next guess is a bad solenoid that is sticking when cold.

[npeach5]

im just afraid to touch the transmission and replace the filter and stuff because it could make things worse.

[npeach5]

yeah the levels are fine

[npeach5]

is there somewhere you can direct me to find out how to replace the solenoid?

[ArmedAviator]

You need to remove the transmission pan. You can replace the filter and clean the magnets at this time. Very easy although a little messy. The solenoids will be visible at this point. I'd recommend testing them before replacing them.

[npeach5]

replacing the filter wont mess up the viscosity if the filter is changed? i will be reusing the same transmission fluid.

[ArmedAviator]

Filter will not affect anything negatively. In my honest opinion, if you have a filter that is dirty enough to cause fluid starvation to any degree, you need a rebuild - a.k.a. expect severe damage.

How old is the fluid? What's the color of the fluid? Are you positive that the fluid is not over and under filled (over-filled being equally bad as under-filled)?

[Q451990]

The a/t check in the FSM will tell you if a solenoid is bad. I also wouldn't re-use the ATF that you drain out if you pull the pan...

[npeach5]

the fluid level is good and the color is normal.. im stumped and at this point id rather scrap the car then rebuild the trans. a trans rebuild will cost more then the value of the car.

[npeach5]

so if i change the trans filter i should replace the fluid? i thought it was bad to put new fluid in. also i dont believe the trans is toasted or that there is any major damage. i dont drive it until its warm now so it doesnt do it. but i should be able to just get into the car slap it into drive and drive it. any other help? has any one ever had this problem before?

[ArmedAviator]

Did you read the transmission diagnostics section in the FSM?

And yes, you can always change fluid and it's always a good thing to do. How do you know it's the correct spec fluid unless you change it?

Pull the pan and check for a filter that may have been installed incorrectly. I've seen it on other vehicles that when the filter falls out of place, the fluid is starved.

[Drake57]

If electronic transmission controller is not working, you will only have third when in any forward gear position, as I recently experienced. Reverse is not affected. Transmission controller selects which of four forward speeds that trans is in, and separately, torque converter lock. There's not any convenient way to test controller except to try a known working one.