Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Buick Century with 120,000 miles. In the cold weather, after starting my car and then putting it into reverse or forward, the gear does not respond. I must wait five minutes or so until the engine warms up and then the gears kick in. Once the car is moving, all is OK. Is this a transmission problem or will a simple transmission fluid/filter change work ($89.95)? Obviously, due to the high mileage, I do not want to sink a lot of money into it but maybe with a little TLC I can avoid a car payment.
Mike from West Seneca, N.Y.
Mike,
First I would check the transmission fluid for color, consistency and smell. If it's brown, gritty and smells burnt, then I would drop the transmission pan and inspect the filter for wear material. If the filter is impregnated with material, then it's your call. There's wear in the transmission and, depending on how much, it might need an overhaul. The telltale sign is the five-minute wait until the trans performs. This is usually an indication of internal mechanical wear, resulting in low internal hydraulic pressures. When the fluid warms up and thins out, it flows easier and thus the trans works. A plugged filter could cause this as well, so drop the pan and have the filter inspected. Good luck.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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