Tranny taking a while to shift after change of fluid??

[macker123]

I changed my rear axle fluid and tranny fluid yesterday.

For the rear axle fluid I pulled the axle cover off and cleaned everything out good. I then stuck it back on and filled about 2.9 Liters into it.

I then changed my tranny fluid by dropping the pan and changing the filter. I then reattachted the pan and pulled my tranny connector to my radiator and flushed about 8 - 10 Liters out. I then added a little more fluid than normal. I am slightly over the crosshatches.

I went to take it for a drive and the first 3 shifts were very delayed. It wouldn't catch until I reved to 4 or so. And then magically it started to work fine and very smooth shifts.

Is this normal after I did the above or is there something wrong? I havn't taken it for a second drive yet.

 

[macker123]

Can anybody help. I don't want to drive it again if there is something wrong.

 

[macker123]

Okay I went and took it for a quick drive and it does it again. Only for the first 30 seconds ago and then it is like it heats up and the oil gets pumping and it works fine.

The only two things I could possibly think of are:

1. The rear axle fluid is not fully to the top(as I added about 2.9 Liters.)

2. I over filled the tranny past the crosshatches and didn't think it mattered.

Please can anybody help. I am supposed to take this on a 2 hour trip tomorrow. So I would at least like to know what the problem is.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

My guess is that some air got into the system, possibly in the torque converter. If it shifts OK now, check the fluid level when warm, and adjust it between the high/low marks. Don't run it overfull. It should be fine after the air works itself out. Good luck.

 

[macker123]

Well it seems like it does it every time it is cold. The last 2 times when cold it takes 30 seconds or so to start shifting properly. I am sure if I tried a 3rd and 4th time it would do the same.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Sounds like the filter is not in place and allowing some air to get around the o-ring. For some reason the filter style must have changed and I needed to put a large washer on the screw that holds the filter in place. This washer holds the filter snuggly to the tranny and keeps it from sucking air.
A plus is that you can get your fluid level correct.
A minus is that you gotta drop the pan again.

 

[macker123]

Originally posted by Bill Kemp
Sounds like the filter is not in place and allowing some air to get around the o-ring. For some reason the filter style must have changed and I needed to put a large washer on the screw that holds the filter in place. This washer holds the filter snuggly to the tranny and keeps it from sucking air.
A plus is that you can get your fluid level correct.
A minus is that you gotta drop the pan again.

Could I have an agreement from somebody else on this. It is a real pain to do this again.

The filter and it's o-rings felt very snug when I put it on. The filter didn't move at all.

 

[macker123]

It turns out it was my filter. Not sure what I did different the second time as I did the identical thing, but it works great now. Thanks for the help.