I have 03 Lexus GS300 with 150k on it. In the morning I can crank my car and push the gas and the rpms will run and the car will not move then after several seconds the car will jerk into gear. I can remote start it for 15 mins and then get in and push the gas and the rpms will go high but it will sluggishly creep along then pick up speed but It will not have the violent jerk like when its cold.
I do not currently have ant check engine lights.I have replaced all the following parts

Denso O2 sensor
Throttle Position sensor
Throttle Lever
Mass Air Flow sensor
Vacuum Switch Sensor (both by airbox and canister)
Speed Sensor A ( had a P0500) code)
Magnaflow Oem Cat
Changed transmission fluid Type IV fluid( fluid look to be in real good condition i do drain and fills regularly
All Parts are dealer parts

Cleaned my throttle body
Cleaned my PCV

Does this sound like it could be the torque converter? I am running out of ideas.Thanks in advance

 

I've had this issue, to me is seems like a solenoid that is stuck inside the tranny.

Just a thought.

 

Definitely it is tranny issue. How cold? Up here cold means like -20C. Normally don't have such problem.

 

It's like 20 to 40 f here. I had an acura and shift solenoid was bad. The problem is I looked at the solenoid and they are like 400 a piece at 5 solenoids. I am not getting a code so I have no clue which one it would be.

 

Mine is doing the same thing. I also discovered my coolant temp sensor may be bad, my radiator fans fire up when I turn the key to ON but don't start the car. Wondering if they're related.

 

I hear from a mechanic that the coolant temp sensor can cause this along with the thermostat

 

Found my problem....

After much reading, I had heard several people say that a new battery fixed their problem. I largely discounted that because my battery is brand new. But, just for hoots I checked my connections. Turns out the morons that worked on my car last didn't even tighten the negative terminal. It spun by hand. It's a miracle it even started. Anyway, tightened it down, reset the computer, and then romped on it for 30 miles and confirmed it's back to normal.

Check your terminals, battery, and alternator. Apparently the transmission/computer really don't like low voltage, which can happen easily during the winter.