Transmission Engage Problem when Cold

[sgoedvolk]

Our '91 XLT has recently aquired a new problem ... transmission won't engage after the first start in the morning on cold days (about 10F and below). Here's what happens:

Start engine and go for any gear. Nothing. Seems like it is still in N or P. Then we go to N. Rev engine to 3K and let it drop back to idle. Go for the gear of choice and it engages fine. Now if I back out of the drive I usually have to repeat this to get into D. After that everything is fine.

Sounds like maybe low vac or a sticking valve/actuator to me. I'll consult my manual today as well but figured I ask you guys as this is the best place for "real world" advice.

So, anyone had this problem or have any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Shane

 

[jmsrca]

im having the same problem on my 93 xl, and it only happens on cold mornings and only when i back out of the drive and shift to d, it works fine when shifting to R. it only does it once im out of the drive and shift to d if i go back to p then back to d it will shift correctly.
it works fine after that
?

 

[TPLYNCH]

Search for Low/Reverse Servo. Lots of discussion about your problem on the board.

 

[410Fortune]

also this assumes you checkthe fluid level already?

 

[Glacier991]

Low fluid is always your first suspect on "goes in R, but not in D"... at the risk of insulting anyone, please make sure you have plenty of fluid... the delayed Reverse is epidemic, not harmful, just annoying. There are a couple culprits in that mix.. the low/reverse servo seal and the boost valve... (there is also a separator plate help to that as well)... but ya know what, I can live with it....

Meanwhile cold temps can exacerbate the problems....
Still... sounds a lot like a low fluid situation to me..... or change the fluid....