Asked by A driver, Cleveland TN
Hesitates into Drive when hot
THE QUESTION
My vehicle goes into gear immediately when cold. After driving an hour it hesitates before moving when shifted into Drive. What causes a transmission to behave differently hot versus cold?
MIKE'S ANSWER
A transmission that behaves differently after warming up is usually responding to changes in fluid temperature. As transmission fluid heats up, it becomes thinner, and small internal leaks or worn components that aren't noticeable when cold can begin affecting performance.
The delayed engagement is an important symptom that deserves proper diagnosis.