A/T late shift when cold, cold transmission = late shift to fourth gear Options

[silvercelica97]

couldn't find much on automatic transmissions, but i thought i'd give it a go.

I have a 97 Celica ST with an automatic transmission ~150,000 miles on it. When the temp drops below 60 F it hesitates to shift to fourth gear and will rev up over 4000 rpms before it shifts. This only happens before the car warms up, all subsequent shifts are fine. I now warm up the car for a few minutes before driving it, and it solves the problem.

Should I change the transmission fluid? To my knowledge it's never been changed, but I've heard differing opinions on this. Some say to change it and some say it will do more harm then good since it's old/high miles.

What should I do?

I don't know much about cars...just a girl

thanks

[WannabeGT4]

That's just how it's designed. Early shifts and no shift to overdrive until warm.

[Bitter]

That's just how it's designed. Early shifts and no shift to overdrive until warm.

and also no OD till the engine is warmed. this serves two purposes, one to protect the engine from being revved high till its warm and secondly to protect the trans from hard WOT shifts till its fluid is warm as well.

[silvercelica97]

Thanks guys.

You're totally right. I looked through my owner's manual and there it was...

Guess I only noticed because my commute changed and my car doesn't get a chance to warm up before I'm on the freeway.