delayed engagement

[doppelganger]

first post, long time user...I can't find anything like my symptoms in the threads so here it goes... every time I start the ex up, it makes a rattling sound like its turning over a bag of rocks inside metal for a few seconds until it calms down and I must wait for 15-30 seconds before it would engage into reverse or drive. I have taken it to free-inspection places and they all say that the transmission is fine. when my wife finally told me of this, after the initial wait, it would drive fine. but now since I traded vehicles with her, I have noticed that it is getting worse. I have started getting up and immediately going out to warm up the truck while I'm getting ready for work. Is it the torque converter going out or possibly the shift solenoid not functioning properly?
Thanks in advance for any help with this issue, I'm trying to resolve this without throwing too much at it... times are tight!

 

[doppelganger]

does anyone have any idea what this could be?

 

[Number4]

Assuming it's on your 02, which doesn't have the electronic shift, there'd be no reason for a delay. I'd take it to AAMCO, or another tranny place. Get a second opinion. Just because no codes were read, doesn't mean it isn't the tranny....I'd assume.

 

[doppelganger]

Yeah, I tried Aamco a few times about 2-3 months ago...they told me that the transmission is fine but I need to replace 1 or 2 ignition coils to fix my misfires. They said that the lack of power could be why the transmission isn't engaging. Well I fixed my misfire problem yet no change in the transmission situation. And after our last icestorm, the metallic sound is worse and doesn't completely go away. I'm thinking to change out the torque converter soon since its not that expensive, hoping that might be it.

 

[Number4]

4wd? Could be in the transfer case. Checked the ujoints?

 

[rch10007]

Does the "rock" noise come from the engine? What oil filters do you use? Does the transmission have enough fluid in it?