tranny too cold?

[2003Can4runner]

this morning i command started my truck and let it run for 10min before i jumped in. i got in and put it in drive and it revved up up to about 2800rpm before it would move in a tiny bit. i stopped and put it in park for a minute, then tried again. same thing. i let it sit for another minute and it worked ok. was it just too cold? should i leave it in neutral so it can heat up? its a 2000 limited 4runner with 160000kms on it. My dad leased a 1999 Limited 4runner when it was new and his did the same. his solution (because it was leased...) was to put the pedal to the floor. ruined the tranny and got it warrantied. he doesn't care he leases a new vehicle almost every year...
anyways...should i be worried?

 

[gizmopt2002]

How cold was it?
It could be that it was too cold out and the viscosity of the tranny fluid was too thick to move the gears.

 

[2003Can4runner]

i was really cold. i think i heard it was almost -40C with the wind chill. i just changed the tranny fluid a few months ago as well. does it help warm it up if i have it in neutral?

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

you need a block heater for those temps.
id be worried about motor damage with a cold start.

 

[2003Can4runner]

i have a block heater just not a cord ran out to it....i have to park my truck on the street and i know my cord will jsut be stolen. typical.