Delayed Shifting Into Reverse

[gebomartin]

2002 with 247k that has had regular ATF changes. Only pan drop and fills. Used Amsoil for about 160k and Toyota Dexron III for the last 15k. Every now and then I get a few second delay engagement of the AT when backing up from a cold start. Otherwise, shifting is perfect from that point on. Should I go back to a synthetic ATF like Amsoil or Mobil Synthetic ATF? Of is this just an old age problem. I have never cleaned the filter as I always changed my fluid every 30-40k.

Any suggestions? Should I be worried?

 

[Dieselchessy]

You dropped the pan but didn’t replace the filter? Or by “pan drop” you meant “drain and fill”?

If it was mine I’d pull the pan, replace the filter, clean the magnets and pan, and then fill it up with Valvoline Maxlife ATF, then drive it for a week and do a drain and fill with Maxlife again. If it still acted up I’d try a third drain and fill.

Regardless of proper maintenance I don’t think a stainless screen was intended to last 245,000 miles. I also suspect there is some wear of components.

 

[gebomartin]

Just drain and fill. I’ve never removed pan.

 

[thegipper]

Yup, drop pan and replace filter/fluid. That's about all you can do.

If it keeps acting up, a new/used tranny may be needed soon.

 

[Wedgy]

Install a Magnafine in line filter as shown in the video but I really would change the filter in the pan as it could be starving for fluid which would be thicker when it is cold and maybe not making it thru the clogged filter.
About 39 minutes into the video
YouTube

 

[Crazy09sage]

I have an ‘02 with close to 190k on it now that started to throw a code a couple years back, I switched out to Maxlife Synthetic ATF and did a sequence of 2-3 drain/fills over a month and replaced the filter and it cleared it up. Been changing the filter on it once a year since then and it’s holding strong so far.

 

[plcfcng]

Yes do change the filter or take it down and flush it real well. When you go to put it back use a torque wrench. If you don't use a T wrench and strip the bolt you will be mad at yourself if the condition still happens you will wonder did I torque it enough so it didn't loosen up and start sucking air. Fluid levels are also important.:usa:

 

[VernySanders]

2002 with 247k that has had regular ATF changes. Only pan drop and fills. Used Amsoil for about 160k and Toyota Dexron III for the last 15k. Every now and then I get a few second delay engagement of the AT when backing up from a cold start. Otherwise, shifting is perfect from that point on. Should I go back to a synthetic ATF like Amsoil or Mobil Synthetic ATF? Of is this just an old age problem. I have never cleaned the filter as I always changed my fluid every 30-40k.

Any suggestions? Should I be worried?

Mine does this, but it doesnt matter if it is cold or warm. Ever since I have owned my truck for the past two almost 3 years it has had a 2 - 4 second delay before actually engaging reverse. PO said it did that while he owned it as well. I just got used to it over time. Change your filter out. Might be a little clogged.