Torque converter: Slipping when cold?

[Anders]

Well, the title really says it: When I start of with a cold engine, it is as if the torque converter slips. Most notable when starting from a stand-still and you accelerate a little briskly. Revs flare somewhat, and the effect is like a manual with a slipping clutch.

When warm, there is not a hint of this.

Normal?

 

[guydewdney]

there are clutches in auto gearboxes...

 

[Mambo]

Had that for a couple of months before my MAF packed up, I'd get it hooked up to a diag box

 

[Dieselman]

Also check the ATF level. A low level can cause exactly the symptoms you describe.

 

[Anders]

Mambo: Thanks, this MAF talk is really starting worry me. How much was yours to replace? Will get it checked out.

Dieselman: Thanks, it would make sense to me, as I seem to think this started after my second transmission oil change. First was at 100.000 km, second was at 115.000 km, when they had to fix the oil-leak. Suspect they haven't topped it fully up, as I noticed that when going from "P" to "D" it would hesitate before moving.

 

[Dieselman]

Some garages think the oil quantity is the same as the old 722 box 5litres. The 722.6 boxes take 7.5L exactly.

 

[guydewdney]

so - does that show up on the same place on the dipstick?

 

[Anders]

It is going in on Wednesday to have checked the oil level in the transmission and for the MAF to be checked on the STAR machine (?).

However, I asked if they could already now order the dipstick, as I understand that is a consumable when changing/topping up the transmission oil, but was told that they have a "work dipstick" and that they just top up the oil if it needs any? Does this sound right?

Anyway, judgement day on Wednesday...

 

[jgevers]

Hi,

On the diagnostic tool you can check the autobox slippage. I normally see the box having to much slip (specially when cold) when the 'filled for life' fluid needs replacing. If I were you, I would change the gearbox oil, gearbox filter and gearbox sump gasket. This should provide you with better shift quality.

The MAF could be the culprit but the increased slippage normally stays even when the engine & box are warm.

regards,

Job

 

[Anders]

Hi,

On the diagnostic tool you can check the autobox slippage. I normally see the box having to much slip (specially when cold) when the 'filled for life' fluid needs replacing. If I were you, I would change the gearbox oil, gearbox filter and gearbox sump gasket. This should provide you with better shift quality.

The MAF could be the culprit but the increased slippage normally stays even when the engine & box are warm.

regards,

Job

Thanks. Only odd thing then is that the gearbox oil was changed 10.000 km ago, so it really shouldn't need replacing already?!

 

[jgevers]

It could be the gearbox oil level or gearbox oil specification. Gearbox oil leakage normally appears if the sump gasket hasn't been replaced after filter change. Remember to check MAF sensor though (not a bad idea to replace it anyway. If it is the original, it won't be 100% anyway.) I heard that the MAF sensor is now included for replacement in the new service schedules for new cars?

The gearbox dip stick is a workshop tool. You can't leave it in the gearbox.

Regards,

Job

 

[Mambo]

Mambo: Thanks, this MAF talk is really starting worry me. How much was yours to replace? Will get it checked out.

Dieselman: Thanks, it would make sense to me, as I seem to think this started after my second transmission oil change. First was at 100.000 km, second was at 115.000 km, when they had to fix the oil-leak. Suspect they haven't topped it fully up, as I noticed that when going from "P" to "D" it would hesitate before moving.

My MAF was replaced under warranty, not sure how much it would be normally....