dcl8254

I have noticed that my wife's RX300 is slow to shift from 2nd to 3rd when below freezing and the car is cold. I have to get the RPM up to 3400 before it will shift the first time into 3rd, it is fine after the first shift. No fault codes and I drain and refill the transmission fluid (use Toyota Type IV) every summer. The car has 89K miles and no other issues with the tranny.

I have searched and forum and cannot find anything related to this. Any suggestions?

Thanks

wing0

I think it's normal as the transmission is trying to warm itself up faster to allow for better gear change and fluid flow. This is why after the car is warm up, it shifts fine.

salimshah

I would suggest to drive slow to help things warm up. [not to exceed 3000 rpm unless there is an emergency]

Salim

lexus114

it does this to heat up the cat. converters faster.

Lexmex

Correct on the emissions aspect.

I remember when I lived in Mexico City in winter and it would get cold (due to the high altitude) and it would take a bit longer for the everything to warm up before I could get into second. I take it quite easy even here in Miami on letting it warm up.

AlexusAnja

You're noting a slow shift from 2nd to 3rd. I thought the transmisson only retarded the 3rd to 4th until the engine warmed up, then it shifted to 4th. This is what I experience. I don't have any issue from 2nd to 3rd when cold.

Lexmex

I am not sure then what it is that you're experiencing. One thing I very much remember is that the older the tranny fluid, the quicker the vehicle warmed up. Might be a function of that, but it depends on the age of your tranny fluid.

With the Amsoil ATF pretty much fresh in my vehicle, it can take me a few minutes before it upshifts.

herbvdh

This is normal I never really noticed it till I would leave home and head out on the Interstate and accelerate up to 60MPH I would be in 2nd for a little bit then it would shift to 3rd and then 4th

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Mine does the same in cold weather. I first noticed it after 2-3 years and thought there was something wrong. But the dealer said "normal" (!) Hasn't been a problem for the subsequent 6-7 years.