Transmission Behavior when Cold -

[BAQ717]

Anyone else’s transmission torque converter seem to “slip” on the first gear change when cold? It’ll change gears fine but then RPMs will dip soon after under throttle. Goes away after doing it once or twice. No issues other than that, transmission is quick and smooth. I am assuming this is normal behavior but wanted to get thoughts. My truck is not in the recall and I don’t suspect anything serious but still worth asking

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[maxx075]

Yep, mine does this every day when cold. I'm in the TSB range, but from what I've seen this is pretty normal.

 

[Airborne]

Ahh, well i got my truck in winter, garage kept, heated….i usually start and give few minutes to warm and circulate…ive never really experianced any odd trans behavior….i have 2600 miles on truck, TRD Offroad Hybrid

David

 

[EastonTaco]

Mine does the same thing on the first shift. I live in Florida and even on a warm night the first shift is rough. I have gotten into the habit of taking it easy through the first shit then driving regularly. When at out PA home on a cold night it is only slightly worse, but not something I would consider an issue. I guess like my 64 year old joints, takes a few minutes to get the fluid moving.

 

[malore]

Mine does this too. 100%. 2025 TRD OR purchased in mid-February.

 

[holden]

Mine does this too after a cold start, usually the first shift off the driveway

 

[Duce95]

I’ve had my 2024 for a year now. It is slightly better now since I got my truck OTT tuned.

 

[bitflogger]

In addition to mind like others smoother when warm, my experience with other makers' 8-10 speed automatics seems quite the same. For examples, the Acura car and GM I think Allison automatics in heavy duty pickups.

 

[TacoFreak]

I agree @bitflogger, lots of 8/10 speed automatics have similar problems. Mine had some odd shifts and a few scary reverse engagements when it was below 1k miles, but now it is mostly fine. I have no idea what changed but as long as it stays the way it is I am a happy camper.

 

[bitflogger]

I agree @bitflogger, lots of 8/10 speed automatics have similar problems. Mine had some odd shifts and a few scary reverse engagements when it was below 1k miles, but now it is mostly fine. I have no idea what changed but as long as it stays the way it is I am a happy camper.

More and more I start to wonder if my age is showing not being reactionary like many, but for how many don't know how good modern vehicles are.

 

[Super_Trouper]

Mine does the same, came here to inquire as well. 1-2 and 2-3 shifts when cold feel a bit slippy/laggy and harsh until the trans warms up. Also shifting from park to reverse or drive, I get a little lurch.

Good to see that's fairly normal. Makes me worry a little less.

 

[TacoFreak]

Mine does the same, came here to inquire as well. 1-2 and 2-3 shifts when cold feel a bit slippy/laggy and harsh until the trans warms up. Also shifting from park to reverse or drive, I get a little lurch.

Good to see that's fairly normal. Makes me worry a little less.

If not exactly normal it definitely is fairly common with these transmissions. My truck now works perfectly most of the time after some terrible shifts early on. It still can throw out an abrupt or jerky shift in lower gears while warming up though, so I guess it is normal.

It is interesting that the same basic transmissions in a transverse engine configuration are used in front wheel / all wheel drive Toyota and Lexus SUVs. Forums for those vehicles have lots of posts about poor shift quality also, so I guess we can consider it normal.

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