Auto Trans shifting issue

[stever1000]

My 2000 limited runs great most of the time, except I sometimes feel a hesitation in shifting from 2nd to 3rd (25-30 mph). Normally the transmission shifts around 2200rpm, but when shifting from 2nd to 3rd it feels like its stuck and revs up 2500-2600 before it shifts. Sometimes if I rev it up higher quicker then let off, it will shift quicker as well.

I did a full trans flush with toyota dex fluid last year so the fluid is fine. I'm wondering if anyone would know what is causing this? It only happens between 2nd to 3rd and seems to be more apparent when cold.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If it only happens before the coolant temp teaches 130F, that is normal, or at least the norm for these transmissions at such an age.

If it is sticking when the temp is at normal temp (186-193f), the clutch material may be going or it could be a sticking solenoid, though usually a code is thrown if the latter is bad.

 

[stever1000]

If it only happens before the coolant temp teaches 130F, that is normal, or at least the norm for these transmissions at such an age.

If it is sticking when the temp is at normal temp (186-193f), the clutch material may be going or it could be a sticking solenoid, though usually a code is thrown if the latter is bad.

Ok I will pay close attention to my OBD app and see if it stops at normal temp

Out of curiosity (I don't know much about transmissions) why does the coolant temp effect the shifting, and only between 2nd and 3rd?

 

[Riceye]

Out of curiosity (I don't know much about transmissions) why does the coolant temp effect the shifting, and only between 2nd and 3rd?

The fact that the A/T fluid interfaces with the coolant in the radiator sets up the relationship. The transmission "cooler" is actually more of a temperature-tempering device, not unlike the oil "cooler" on the block near the oil filter. When cold, these systems bring the trans fluid and engine oil up to temperature faster than without. The result is a transmission that operates optimally, and engine oil that flows more efficiently. Certainly, at the other end of the temperature extreme excessive heat is reduced, also.

This is really important in winter in areas that see very low temps. And, this may give pause to those determined to eliminate this hardware with modifications.

 

[T4R2014]

I'm having the same thing, maybe worse. First thing I'm checking is if my Magnefine filter is clogged, then solenoids. Honestly it's so old that it owes me nothing so I'm preparing for a transmission swap.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Ok I will pay close attention to my OBD app and see if it stops at normal temp

Out of curiosity (I don't know much about transmissions) why does the coolant temp effect the shifting, and only between 2nd and 3rd?

IDK. Unfortunately this has to be the biggest 3rd gen mystery for me. When I bought mine in 2006, there was no need to have the coolant reach 130f for it to shift into 3rd, it only began happening three years later. Still shifts fine almost a decade later though. At this time in its life I have learned to just live with it.:attention:

 

[stever1000]

The fact that the A/T fluid interfaces with the coolant in the radiator sets up the relationship. The transmission "cooler" is actually more of a temperature-tempering device, not unlike the oil "cooler" on the block near the oil filter. When cold, these systems bring the trans fluid and engine oil up to temperature faster than without. The result is a transmission that operates optimally, and engine oil that flows more efficiently. Certainly, at the other end of the temperature extreme excessive heat is reduced, also.

This is really important in winter in areas that see very low temps. And, this may give pause to those determined to eliminate this hardware with modifications.

Ahh that makes sense, I totally forgot about the cooler (silly because I installed an inline cooler last year on my new rad)

Thanks!

 

[thegipper]

IDK. Unfortunately this has to be the biggest 3rd gen mystery for me. When I bought mine in 2006, there was no need to have the coolant reach 130f for it to shift into 3rd, it only began happening three years later. Still shifts fine almost a decade later though. At this time in its life I have learned to just live with it.:attention:

Mine randomly decides when its going to delay the 2/3 shift when cold. Sometimes it does it, other times it won't.

Meh...

 

[DK327]

I have a scangauge on my 2000 and like clockwork it always shifts from 2nd to 3rd at 130F, never before when it's below that temp. I also have an inline trans cooler, but it's always done this even before the cooler.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Mine randomly decides when its going to delay the 2/3 shift when cold. Sometimes it does it, other times it won't.

Meh...

That is why I believe Mike it is pressure related. Don't hold me to that though. Glad your newer engine and tranny are working well for you.

 

[phattyduck]

The ECU controls the shift. It is PROGRAMMED to do that. It will shift into 3rd when cold, just at a higher RPM. Many computer controlled auto transmissions will shift differently when cold, either to heat up the engine or transmission more quickly.

-Charlie

 

[stever1000]

The ECU controls the shift. It is PROGRAMMED to do that. It will shift into 3rd when cold, just at a higher RPM. Many computer controlled auto transmissions will shift differently when cold, either to heat up the engine or transmission more quickly.

-Charlie

I'm glad I asked! Definitely learned something I have been worried about.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Renegade_Medic]

IDK. Unfortunately this has to be the biggest 3rd gen mystery for me. When I bought mine in 2006, there was no need to have the coolant reach 130f for it to shift into 3rd, it only began happening three years later. Still shifts fine almost a decade later though. At this time in its life I have learned to just live with it.:attention:

That's pretty common in most vehicles. It's to help warm up the engine by forcing the transmission to stay in a lower gear, to the RPM stays up to warm up the engine and transmission.

 

[LittleCaesar]

That's pretty common in most vehicles. It's to help warm up the engine by forcing the transmission to stay in a lower gear, to the RPM stays up to warm up the engine and transmission.

I understand the why concerning temp, but don't understand why it didn't do it for the first three years I owned it.

One has to think if one is a Toyo salesman back in the late 90s, early 2000s, that there is no way in hell one is able to move many if any 3rd gens off the lot during the winter months without a considerable warm up period before a test drive.

 

[fourfive]

I did a full trans flush with toyota dex fluid last year so the fluid is fine. I'm wondering if anyone would know what is causing this? It only happens between 2nd to 3rd and seems to be more apparent when cold.

I’m assuming no pending codes?

 

[stever1000]

I’m assuming no pending codes?

No codes show up on my torque app!