Trouble w/ 1st Gear
 

Hi all,

This winter, especially when it's cold out and am on a cold start I have the following problem:

I either can't engage 1st gear or I lose it. Generally, If I rev up to about 2,000 RPM's the gear "catches" and I move on my way. This has never happened after the car has been warm. This doesn't occur ALL the time.

The fluid level seems fine. I had a trans fluid done about 9 months ago (pan replaced as well).

2.7L V6 on '04 Sebring.

There are no codes being put out by the car.

After some searching on hear I've seen different posts, solenoid pack, etc. But with no codes, I have no idea what actually is causing this. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears are fine. I personally bought the fluid for the flush and it was the correct kind.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

The transmission is very sensitive to the type of fluid in there. If they used the wrong fluid, like atf +3 instead of +4 then it could cause shifting problems. Not saying that's the problem but it's one possibility.
It's surprising that it's missing shifts but not leaving codes. Transmission codes aren't able to be read by any scanner. Are they reading it with a really good scanner or just a cheap one?

I am using Torque Pro.....so a cheap scanner.

What would you recommend I do?

I only have trouble with first.... I may pull out and stop at a light and I lose gear, almost as if I'm in neutral. Shifting to park and back to drive doesn't do anything, if I rev it a little, the gear catches and I move and it usually doesn't happen again

So what exactly was the oil you put in there.
did you change the filter at the same time?

"What would you recommend I do?"

Take it to a shop that specializes in transmissions and have them run the neccessary diagnostics, both electronic and hydraulic. Go from there.

Or live with it.

If you want to try to fix it yourself, get the fluid fully flushed and changed. Draining out the bottom won't do it. If that doesn't do it, change the solenoid pack. It's a relatively easy DIY project that has been discussed here on the forum several times. Search here and elsewhere on the internet for how-to-do-it instructions. If that doesn't do it, start saving up for the visit to the trans shop.

I have 1st geat trouble just like you. I stop at a light or stop sign and no 1st gear. I was thinking a thorough flush as advised to you.