It's Cold.. Sluggish Engaging Transmission

[HenryMac]

I wondered if anybody else has notices this?

Our Ranger has been spending it's down time in our barn this winter. Last year it was in the attached garage where it never gets below freezing.

Temperatures here in the past few weeks have been in the teens (F), or lower, in the mornings. I don't warm up the truck... Start it up, wait maybe 15 seconds... and then I shift the truck from Park to Reverse, to back it out of the barn. Once I shift into Reverse the truck just sits there for maybe a second or two... then it moves backwards.

Definitely different than during warm weather.

After that first shift... no issues.

Am I worried? Nope.

Just wondered if anybody else noticed it?

Thanks

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[cb4017]

Mine does that occasionally. Generally though not when I sit for a minute or so to let the fluids circulate and let things start to warm up. Been in the teens here too.

 

[rparge]

+1 Not driving it every day, maybe twice a week now, and I also started noticing this lately, first time ths happened I stabbed the accelerator a bit soon and got a bit of a clunk. Now being patient until she starts rolling.

 

[chasejeffrey]

YES FOR ME IN COLO.

 

[Dan Kobler]

Yup, happens to me pretty much every time I start my truck up... Located in MN

 

[wanted33]

My wife's '18 Mustang with the 10spd has taught me all of those little quirks. Her does the same at times, and I expect the Ranger will also.

 

[Tim H.]

I wondered if anybody else has notices this?

Our Ranger has been spending it's down time in our barn this winter. Last year it was in the attached garage where it never gets below freezing.

Temperatures here in the past few weeks have been in the teens (F), or lower, in the mornings. I don't warm up the truck... Start it up, wait maybe 15 seconds... and then I shift the truck from Park to Reverse, to back it out of the barn. Once I shift into Reverse the truck just sits there for maybe a second or two... then it moves backwards.

Definitely different than during warm weather.

After that first shift... no issues.

Am I worried? Nope.

Just wondered if anybody else noticed it?

Thanks

Yes. I noticed that as well. I now let the truck warm up enough for the information center to boot up 100%. About 1 minute.

 

[HenryMac]

Yes. I noticed that as well. I now let the truck warm up enough for the information center to boot up 100%. About 1 minute.

Does that prevent the delay when shifting out of Park?

 

[Tim H.]

Does that prevent the delay when shifting out of Park?

I have to clarify. Mine has a short 2-3 second delay getting in gear when in rev or drive. After letting it warm up or drive for a bit the delay is very minimal.

 

[tentspast]

Mine does this even when the weather is warm. Got the diesel with the 10 speed.

 

[bloosh]

I haven't had any delays like that, but I have had a couple mornings recently where I put it in reverse quickly on start and I got a nice thud.

 

[Adventure Ranger]

Fluid Dynamics..... cold transmission fluid is thick and doesn’t behave the same as warm fluid. Give it a few moments to warm up. At -40 (C&F) it will take 3-5 minutes of engine run time , circulating tranny and power steering fluid, before it gets warm enough to properly perform its task. Put a bottle of Syrup in the fridge and see how long it takes to pour out !

 

[Stangman570]

My work vehicle is a 2020 dodge caravan and it does the same thing if I don't warm it up first. No matter if it's hot or cold out. Just how these newer transmissions are I guess.

 

[HenryMac]

Fluid Dynamics..... cold transmission fluid is thick and doesn’t behave the same as warm fluid. Give it a few moments to warm up. At -40 (C&F) it will take 3-5 minutes of engine run time , circulating tranny and power steering fluid, before it gets warm enough to properly perform its task. Put a bottle of Syrup in the fridge and see how long it takes to pour out !

... another reason why I wish Ford offered a stick shift. I've driven stick shifts since 1985.

 

[Texasota]

... another reason why I wish Ford offered a stick shift. I've driven stick shifts since 1985.

The cold affects some manuals also. I had a 2005 Ford Focus and when cold it was a bear to get into first gear.

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