Can't shift in freezing weather

[ajo]

I have a 2002 cavalier and for the last two years, I haven't been able to shift my car into gear in temperatures below 25 degrees. It is just completely frozen and I can't even push in the button to put the car into drive. After the car warms up for about 20 minutes, I can drive but if I don't go a very long distance and try to put the car in park, I can't even turn off the ignition completely. The car has to be very warm before I can even go anywhere. Anyone ever heard of this problem before?

[panchoman]

ive never heard of this before, but gee man under 25 weather sounds harsh on a car, shit can mess up im not sure what but im sure that cold weather is bad. u should keep your car in a heated garage or something

[noshun]

Originally Posted by ajo

I have a 2002 cavalier and for the last two years, I haven't been able to shift my car into gear in temperatures below 25 degrees. It is just completely frozen and I can't even push in the button to put the car into drive. After the car warms up for about 20 minutes, I can drive but if I don't go a very long distance and try to put the car in park, I can't even turn off the ignition completely. The car has to be very warm before I can even go anywhere. Anyone ever heard of this problem before?

Sounds like your trans fluid is getting more viscous with the cold. having it flushed and refilled my help. In all 3 manuals I've owned with that temp
the shifter is really stiff until the motor is warm. and by driving you heat up the trans fluid and it becomes thinner. just go get it changed and it should help!

[tymebomb]

I have a 2001 Cav 5spd. I used that overpriced Saturn fluid, It seemed to help. It is still stiff to put in first and that for the first 2 min of start up but up here in Canada when it gets to -45 'C nothing workd right@! lol

[ajo]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to take my car in this week and have the fluid flushed and replaced and see if this works before I take it in to be looked at. I hope this works because I would be in trouble if I had to get somewhere in a hurry and can't move. Thanks again!

[ajo]

The transmission fluid worked! It's about 15 degrees this morning and not frozen. Thanks a bunch!

[noshun]

Originally Posted by ajo

The transmission fluid worked! It's about 15 degrees this morning and not frozen. Thanks a bunch!

No problemo!