start of tranny problems

[sprucebingsteen]

Hi guys, I have a 1998 Plymouth Grand voyager 3.3L ,230k.
Twice now in the past 2 weeks i have started my van and put it into gear ( either R or D) and nothing shifted. It was as it was still in park.. A few minutes later it did shift and I was able to drive away.. ANY IDEAS ????

Thanks

[MagicRat]

Your torque converter may have an internal leak, that is, when the vehicle is parked, the fluid slowly leaks out into the rest of the transmission.
So, when you start the car, the converter is half-empty and must be refilled by the transmission oil pump before it starts to function.

If this is the case, there is no easy fix or cheap fix. It does not cause harm or damage, it just delays your departure a bit. Imo just live with it. Given the mileage, its not worth the cost of repair. I have a Chrysler A904 transmission in one of my vehicles which has been doing this for 20 years.

The next rime it happens, shift to neutral and let the engine idle. You may find the transmission will be ready to go much faster than in Park.

BTW when was the last time you got a transmission fluid and filter change? If it's been a long time, try getting one (not a transmission flush) and see if the performance improves.