Losing gear engagement in cold weather (4r44e)

[ratdude747]

I have an odd issue occurring with my 1995's 4r44e during cold start:

When I start up and first go into gear in really cold weather (after sitting all day/night), all is fine for about a minute, then after stopping it will act like it's stuck in neutral in all gears. After another minute, I'll have my gears back. This morning, after another 30 seconds or so I stopped and lost gear a second time, same wait a minute and try again game. Killing the engine and restarting has no effect it seems.

History: about 2.5 years and 45K ago I had my transmission rebuilt by a reputable shop who also installed a re-manufactured torque converter. About 7K ago I changed my transmission fluid; I used a synthetic blend Mercon V type flue (whatever the Walmart Store brand is).

What I'm not sure on if this is a torque converter issue or a sticking valve body issue?

 

[Transman304]

Fluid level would be first check. Pull the stick first thing in the morning before starting engine and note how far up the stick the fluid is. Drive and get to operating temp then check fluid with engine running in park on level ground. You may have some drain back issue.

 

[ratdude747]

Fluid level would be first check. Pull the stick first thing in the morning before starting engine and note how far up the stick the fluid is. Drive and get to operating temp then check fluid with engine running in park on level ground. You may have some drain back issue.

Forgot to check when I first went out to lunch, but it did it again (lost gear), and the fluid level was 3/4" above the hatchmarks (all of these measurements were with the truck running). After driving around a bit, it was low, like barely on the dipstick. After grabbing lunch and driving home, it was up to just one "dot" low.

Last I checked I wasn't leaking tranny fluid, although I do have some dampness on the pan (I thought it was an engine oil leak though; even after a full gasket job my motor still leaks a bit).

Should I add 1/2 Quart of transmission fluid? Or do I have a more serious issue?

 

[Transman304]

Add the fluid in 8-10oz at a time with it warm and keep checking and always check both sides of the stick and fill to the lowest side on stick.

 

[ratdude747]

Add the fluid in 8-10oz at a time with it warm and keep checking and always check both sides of the stick and fill to the lowest side on stick.

That was going to be my next move. Thanks. Will try.

 

[Transman304]

Let us know how it works out.

 

[ratdude747]

Let us know how it works out.

Went to top it off tonight (warm, thermostat just opened a minute before)), and it was in range. In the lower part of the crosshatch, but clearly in the hatches on both sides. I wiped and rechecked three times.


Now I'm really confused...

 

[Transman304]

Go ahead and add 8-10 oz. and drive and then recheck and see where it is on the stick. If it didn't raise the amount on the stick add 8-10 more and recheck. If the fluid level raised after the first 8-10 oz. don't add more. May have to come up with a plan B.

 

[ratdude747]

Go ahead and add 8-10 oz. and drive and then recheck and see where it is on the stick. If it didn't raise the amount on the stick add 8-10 more and recheck. If the fluid level raised after the first 8-10 oz. don't add more. May have to come up with a plan B.

Will do if it acts up again. Had a more pressing issue come up (dead starter, fixed it today in a cold rainy Walmart lot ) so I haven't had time to investigate this further.