Problems Shifting in Cold Weather

[Jim4157]

Hi All!

I'm a newbie to the VTCOA and I wanted to know if anyone has had problems with their 48RE transmission shifting during cold temperatures. Mine is taking a long time to complete shifts and the shifts are quite hard when they do finally engage. One time, during very cold temps, I pulled up to a stop sign and 10 seconds later (after I had come to a complete stop) the tranny completed its downshift. It felt like I had been bumped from behind by another car! The problem disappears after the tranny warms up. I begin to notice the problem when temps drop below 40-45 degrees outside.

I have read about ATF+4 fluid being the fluid of choice since 2005 and noted it has better cold temperature flowability. But, I'm not sure what type came stock in mine since Chrysler states they discontinued ATF+3 in the same year.

I've also read about torque converter drain back due to unproperly torqued valve body bolts.

And of course there's always the possibility of having a bad sensor.

Just thought I'd through this out there and see if any of you have ever experienced the same problems.

BTW - I live in Denver (not the greatest place to have an SRT-10 in the winter!)

Thanks,
Jim

 

[FATJACK]

Glad to have you Jim, welcome to the RBC

 

[TNVIPER]

Welcome to the club....one of auto owners should chime in soon with answers..

 

[Da1Chief]

Hi All!

I'm a newbie to the VTCOA and I wanted to know if anyone has had problems with their 48RE transmission shifting during cold temperatures. Mine is taking a long time to complete shifts and the shifts are quite hard when they do finally engage. One time, during very cold temps, I pulled up to a stop sign and 10 seconds later (after I had come to a complete stop) the tranny completed its downshift. It felt like I had been bumped from behind by another car! The problem disappears after the tranny warms up. I begin to notice the problem when temps drop below 40-45 degrees outside.

I have read about ATF+4 fluid being the fluid of choice since 2005 and noted it has better cold temperature flowability. But, I'm not sure what type came stock in mine since Chrysler states they discontinued ATF+3 in the same year.

I've also read about torque converter drain back due to unproperly torqued valve body bolts.

And of course there's always the possibility of having a bad sensor.

Just thought I'd through this out there and see if any of you have ever experienced the same problems.

BTW - I live in Denver (not the greatest place to have an SRT-10 in the winter!)

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, First off Welcome to the Forum. I am not trying to offend with the questions below but more information would help with a solution to the problem.

How long has it been since you had the Tranny service and the Fluid completely flushed?
Did you change the internal filter during the service? If not why?
How long since the Tranny Bands were adjusted?

If it has been over 15K you may want to have the above service performed. This will fix most of your problems. Internal filter can get "Heavy" and it does need changing.

 

[pissant#420]

welcome

 

[JTS VENOM PERFORMANCE]

you may need to try a solonoid, the govenor solonoid, but sounds like the pump may be giving you a fit

 

[Cruster]

Welcome to the forum...you didn't say much about your truck.

Is there much track time? Stock, Mods? Mileage?

My 05 QC had 5200miles on it when I got it and it shifted hard into second when I was just doggin it around town. Whole different story when you step on it a bit...far as I know they are almost all like that. 4000 miles later and Royal Purple....still does that.

I live in Montana and I put mine away when the first hint of snow comes but I drove it in the cold 10-20 degrees and colder, sitting out at noc, etc before it snowed. It is a bit whiny and stays in gear a bit longer, shifts a bit harder to second when first starting out (bout an 1/8th of a mile), but nothing like you describe with downshifting delay.

Stinker from JTS Venom Performance is da MAN! He know some sh*t as do many of these guys. But Stink is almost always on line...I thought for a while that he was prolly just an intelligent computer program, but then I found out that there are some people here who have actually had beers with him!!! But I think he was shot in the head at some point and now no longer requires sleep.

Anyway, these guys can help. Best wishes.

 

[Prof]

Welcome to the forum...you didn't say much about your truck.

Is there much track time? Stock, Mods? Mileage?

My 05 QC had 5200miles on it when I got it and it shifted hard into second when I was just doggin it around town. Whole different story when you step on it a bit...far as I know they are almost all like that. 4000 miles later and Royal Purple....still does that.

I live in Montana and I put mine away when the first hint of snow comes but I drove it in the cold 10-20 degrees and colder, sitting out at noc, etc before it snowed. It is a bit whiny and stays in gear a bit longer, shifts a bit harder to second when first starting out (bout an 1/8th of a mile), but nothing like you describe with downshifting delay.

Stinker from JTS Venom Performance is da MAN! He know some sh*t as do many of these guys. But Stink is almost always on line...I thought for a while that he was prolly just an intelligent computer program, but then I found out that there are some people here who have actually had beers with him!!! But I think he was shot in the head at some point and now no longer requires sleep.

Anyway, these guys can help. Best wishes.

My Gawd!

 

[Cruster]

My Gawd!

I'm bored at work, ok and it's the middle of the night....:itsme:

 

[JTS VENOM PERFORMANCE]

But Stink is almost always on line...I thought for a while that he was prolly just an intelligent computer program, but then I found out that there are some people here who have actually had beers with him!!! But I think he was shot in the head at some point and now no longer requires sleep.

figmentation of imaggination