Transmission delay going into Drive upon first start

[primetime4]

Hello All... I had this issue before and wanted to ask for some suggestions or feedback now that the issue appears to be returning. Recently, my 2001 Jeep with the 3spd auto (156,000 miles) started exhibiting a delay when shifting from Reverse into Drive. This only happens in the morning after first starting. Going into reverse works fine but I get about a 2-3 second delay when shifting into drive. What is also odd is that hitting any small bump (like backing out of the driveway) in reverse seems to want to stall the engine which somehow seems related to the transmission.

Last time I had this issue, I had the transmission fluid and filter changed and it seemed to clear it all up but that was less than 2 years ago. Does this sound like a larger transmission slipping issue? I do have an appointment to have transmission fluid refreshed but hoping for some additional insight.

Thank you.

 

[astjp2]

Read the sonnax articles posted on the forum somewhere, search for it...it will expalin torque converter drainback...

 

[primetime4]

Woah... that does not sound like an easy job. Wondering if I should just leave it and live with it.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Shift to Neutral (!) first and wait 10 seconds then shift to Drive. If that fixes it the anti-drainback valve is leaking. When that happens it allows the ATF to drain out of the torque converter.

 

[primetime4]

Thanks for the info... this was very helpful and maybe not as catastrophic as I immediately believed. I did a ton of research and drainback out of the torque converter does appear to be the issue (did 10 plus seconds in neutral test this AM). It looks like this can be fixed by replacing the transmission cooler lines. I have an appointment at the dealer this weekend and hopefully they will be able to figure out and understand this. I always have my doubts.

I also saw this referred to as "morning sickness" which I think is hilarious and dead on.

Thanks again.

 

[astjp2]

Thanks for the info... this was very helpful and maybe not as catastrophic as I immediately believed. I did a ton of research and drainback out of the torque converter does appear to be the issue (did 10 plus seconds in neutral test this AM). It looks like this can be fixed by replacing the transmission cooler lines. I have an appointment at the dealer this weekend and hopefully they will be able to figure out and understand this. I always have my doubts.

I also saw this referred to as "morning sickness" which I think is hilarious and dead on.

Thanks again.

Nope, they drill a hole in the valve body so the torque converter will fill in park...

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Nope, they drill a hole in the valve body so the torque converter will fill in park...

I'd be surprised if many dealers know how to do that and I wouldn't let them do that procedure anyway... too much chance for them to eff up the valve body.

Easier and faster to just install a 3/8" check valve in the coolant line.

 

[primetime4]

I picked up my Jeep last night from the dealership. $498 to change out a transmission oil tube feels like I got taken to the woodshed.

The mechanic could not recreate the issue as expected since it only happens in the morning after sitting but I had them replace the part anyway because it was old and appeared to show its age.

However, I am not sure if that actually fixed the problem. Although the delayed engagement was not as pronounced, I still felt some surges I am assuming is the torque converter was filling up. I doubt they did an extensive road test so it was most likely low from the replacement. Will have to give it a few days to test.

 

[astjp2]

Did you follow Jerry’s advice and shift into neutral first for 10 seconds before shifting into drive? That will help you troubleshoot it.

 

[primetime4]

Yes and that did seem to do the trick. I could have lived with it like that but the line was looking a bit old anyway so I went ahead and got it replaced. Will have to test it out more the next time I pull it out.

 

[Davy-Crockettm28]

I'd be surprised if many dealers know how to do that and I wouldn't let them do that procedure anyway... too much chance for them to eff up the valve body.

Easier and faster to just install a 3/8" check valve in the coolant line.

View attachment 124664

I know this is a few years old, but do you know any good guides on how to do this? I think drainback might be causing a similar problem for me when my transmission is warm