Automatic transmission no drive engagement when cold
 

Hello all,

First post. I have a 94 2WD Ranger, 4 liter with automatic transmission.

Since it's started getting cold outside, I have noticed that the tranny will not engage drive.

My typical process is I start the truck and almost immediately put in in reverse witch engages without issue. Back it up around 20 feet and then put it in drive. No engagement. Rev it a bit; nothing. Put it in first... still nothing. Put back it park and wait another 15-20 seconds, put it in drive and it works.

Fluids are topped off.

I've gone through the forums and have come up with nothing as to why this is happening and what I can do to fix it. I have read about band adjustments and vacuum modules and solenoids etc...

Anybody heard of this issue? Can it be fixed? What is the fix?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Re: Automatic transmission no drive engagement when cold
 

Let it warm up for a little before putting it in gear and see if that will help. Not good for a cold engine to immediately be put under a load.

Re: Automatic transmission no drive engagement when cold
 

'94? How many miles? I personally doubt that you can do anything about it other than rebuild as I think it is the seals inside. Seals get old, takes a little to build pressure, specially when it is cold. Usually happens to revers first though.

Oh yeah, that and wait. Even when it is warm I don't wham bam thank you ma'am take off. Warm it up at least a couple of minutes.

Re: Automatic transmission no drive engagement when cold
 

It has around 130k miles.

I am gentle with the vehicle, but I don't think it is right that I should have it warm up for many minutes before I can safely put it in drive.

Are any of the things I mentioned earlier viable fixes or is my issue an indication of imminent transmission failure?