Starting in 2lo

[Bassochist]

Hi, I lurked quite a bit and found lots of useful info here and the answers to most of my questions about my truck. But not this one.

When ever I want to start moving I need to be in L to get any starting power. Then flip up to D once I'm at about 2krpm

If I'm in drive the truck will move but with very noticeable weakness until that 2k'ish mark. Then it picks up and everything is fine.

Anyone ever dealt with this?
No codes. I finally cleared them all this summer. For now.

 

[phattyduck]

Sounds like a transmission/torque converter issue. How does the trans fluid look? How's the level (check with idling in park and warm/hot fluid)?

Moving the shifter to the "L" position bypasses the shift solenoids and forces the transmission mechanically into 1st gear.

-Charlie

PS. That's not 2Lo - that's just 1st gear on the transmission.

 

[Bassochist]

Thanks for the knowledge. I'm still earning my YouTube mechanic badge. Haha
I'd taken to calling it 2lo because last time I left it at a garage I told them to start in low to move and I came back to find they had been moving it around in 4low. Summer. Asphalt.
I'll know better for next time.

Fluid seems okay, but I'm working up the courage to change it. Read bad things about changing tranny fluid without knowing the history and frequancy. But I had topped it up, after I retrieved my broken dipstick from the tube. Haha

I was hoping solenoids, as that looks easier to do. A transfer case I'd be throwing my purse at, and not getting it back.

Thanks for the reply. It's been like this for 2 years now. Last thing on my list. Might have to wait a bit longer.

 

[Bassochist]

Thanks again Charlie.
I just got back from a quick drive and with what you've told me, it does very much remind me of the feeling of slowing down too much and then trying to speed up in second gear in a manual.
So the truck just won't go to first gear automatically.
Hopefully this further points to a soleniod issue.

 

[jross20]

Interesting. Does she do it when you first start out? Or does she never shift to 1st?

 

[phattyduck]

Looks like he might have a malfunctioning shift solenoid 1. See the below diagram for shifting patterns with various problems:

Basically, he would only have 3rd and OD in the "D" position, but he could get to 1st by manually shifting it. Starting out in 3rd would be pretty sluggish...

-Charlie

 

[brillo_76]

Interesting. Mostly if it's a TC the will be noisy in drive. Quieter in neutral but does exhibit the hard to get going with alot more rpms to get moving.


TC when failing can stall the engine when pulling up to stop signs as well.

The OP isnt stating any of these symptoms. I agree with Charlie that its probably starting in a higher gear then 1st.

I would manually put it in 1st and see if it will shift up through as your shift it manually.

Just keep in mind you put it in first it will not shift to 2nd until you move it to 2nd. Don't be running out up past redline.





Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

 

[Bassochist]

Thank you gentleman. You've certianly eased my stress a bit. She seems to shift fine at every other point. I go from 1st to 2 to drive at about 20km and 40km. Once moving at higher speeds no shifting problems. No clunks or noises. I've never had her over 2.7ish Rpms. She holds steady at 2.5 at around 130kmph.
Maybe 3rpm once while trying to maintain speed on a very steep hill. Haha

Guess my next step is to start cycling out transmissions fluid a bit at a time to prepare for dropping the pan and changing the filter while I'm down there. I know via previous owner that the fluid hasn't been changed in a few years. I plan on fixing that.

That chart helps a lot to understand what's happening. Thank you again.