transmission hard to shift when cold?

We have a 92 explorer 4x4 Does anyone know why our transmission wont shift when the motor is cold? Once it warms up it shifts fine.

the governor is sticking. trash in the trans has scored the governor body causing the valve inside to stick when cold. usually a sign of excessive wear in another part of trans

Definately something sticking. Mine did that when the modulator went bad because all the fluid was burned through the oil. Check you fluid. If it is really dark brown or smells burnt you definately need to have it changed or maybe something more serious. Explorers have problems with the valve bodies. Just baby it when its cold. Put a transmission conditioner when you change the fluid. Good Luck

if your atf fluid smells burnt and black shit is floating in it, it means you worn a band. a band engages and disengages a clutch.

black shit from that band floats in the atf and you need it replaced. REPLACE A BAND Only if black shit is in your atf.

also let your car warmup before you drive it,.......
Liquids (includes atf) are thick when cold, atf or automatic transmission fluid has to flow through tiny holes called orfices.

the thicker the fluid the more trouble it has, which was causing your shift problem. Go ahead and don't let it warm up and more expensive problems will arise. most of your engine ware and trany ware comes from inaduquate lubrication.

a fair warning, just let your car warm-up.

check the fluid color and lever.
If its discolored change it. along with the filter.