97 Lumina Delayed Trans Engagment When Cold

[Oasisgroupusa]

Hey everyone,
My wifes 97 Chevy Lumina (car) has an issue when cold. First thing in the am after putting into reverse it will not engage for several minutes until warmed up. After warm it shifts and drives great.

I had the trans flushed and BG conditioner added, ever since it still has the same symptom, however now it will also do it in foreward gear, again only when cold. When warm it is great. She did rev it up slightly once out of frustration and it went into gear, a little harsh but it did shift in.

I was thinking maybe something sticking in the valve body, but I have not worked on one of these. Any help would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dennisinmo]

Is her heater warming up normally? On a car I owned a long time ago, the thermostat stuck closed and the water in the radiator stayed cold. My transmission aslo began to shift hard. I thought I had two problems but when I replaced the thermostat the transmission shifted better. I guess the radiator also warms the fluid in the winter assuming you have a transmission fluid cooler in the radiator. Hope you find out what your problem is. Post back when you do. Good luck.

[MT-2500]

Morning sickness.
Did they change the filter or just flush?
If filter was changed with flush you are looking at a trans rebuild or replace to fix the problem.
MT

[Oasisgroupusa]

MT,

The filter was also replaced. I guess I don't follow the thoughts of needing rebuilt or replaced for a cold engagment issue? Can you elaborate? What part appears to be failing? Internal seal? Something hanging up in the valve body?

Thanks

[MT-2500]

Morning sickness/slow engagemet when cold usually points to weak seals on clutch packs and drums.
I am not much for additives but sometimes a good additive like Lucas helps sometimes.
Do not us any strong chemical stuff.
But on down the road you will need a rebuild or replacement trans.
Mt

[Oasisgroupusa]

Thanks for the insight!