I have an 05 automatic coupe (with 28K) and recently noticed that there a "longer than usual" lag time from the time I shift into "drive" coming out of "reverse." After shifting into Drive and waiting a second, I accelerate and nothing happen because it hasn't engaged into Drive yet. Once in a while, when I'm in a hurry, I'll shift into drive while the car is rolling into reverse but I doubt that has severely damaged the transmission. My father did that on his 95 Quest everyday up to 265K and the trans never had a problem. I don't have any exact time measurement but I was just checking to see if anyone else has noticed this on their automatics. I'm just a little concerned because this was a symptom before the TL-S I owned previously, had its transmission failures (3 transmissions in 78K). I'll take it dealership at 30K for a drain and fill but I wanted to hear from you guys first since you're more knowledgeable than the dealership.

 

It shouldn't be like that. Check the trans fluid level

 

Mine does it too. I've noticed it more when I don't let the car warm-up. I usally let it idle until the revs come down to 1000 and the temp gague starts to move. If I'm in a hurry and leave sooner than that it will sometimes hesitate to go into drive right away. I'd say it is only about a half a second and I've never thought much of it, just that everything wasn't at operating temp.

 

I would monitor it very closely. First, of course, make sure you fluid level is correct. I sold used cars for many years and any time there was even a slight delay for a trans to shift into gear , was cause for alarm. However, the newer transmissions are a different breed. Watch it closely to see if it worsens. The good news is the warranty on the Drivetrain is 6/70,000.

 

Thanks guys. I'll check the trans level this week and give you an update. One factor that I didn't consider was the colder temps as I noticed this during winter mornings here in Baltimore. So perhaps, it was the the cold temps but I'll be monitoring it closely and also coming to a complete stop when backing out.

 

The cold temperature should not be a reason for your car to act this way if the transmission was healthy. If the transmission has issues, it might first be evident in the colder whether. We used to call this "morning sickness". Have it checked out.

 

Definately take it in since it should still be covered by the warranty.