How to override 3rd gear not shifting when cold

My auto transmission (for 3.4 v6) will only shift into 3rd when the engine gets to a certain temp. I have heard this is common because there is a sensor that allows 3rd gear to shift once the transmission is at a safe temp. Is there any way to override this? I don't drive hard at all especially when it is cold. I live and work off a busy road so whenever I pull out on the street I have to stay in 2nd while people ride my rear until it's up to temp. I do let it idle at times to warm up before I start rolling but sometimes I just need to get on the road. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Honestly, since it has the sensors and electronics you're better off leaving it alone and staying in the right lane until a few minutes pass. That's usually how long it takes to get flowing better if you just jump in and drive off.

 

How about simply letting her warm up a bit more before you drive onto that busy road?

 

There's good reasons for those sensors, maybe put in a remote start? So you can get it warm while you grab your keys and coffee

 

Come on now... we can all understand some times we just don't have time for that

 

You make allowances. I never had this problem.

 

Well even working in a union where there's all the time in the world I still dont have time for that shit hahaha I used to start my truck and smoke a joint before I left when I drove a pre runner, was annoying as fuck, I get it, some of us work hard and we want our shit to work the way we want

 

Remote start sounds like a good option for ya, hit it when you wake up/get outta the shower/whatever and just leave the doors locked till you get out there. Added bonus of a warm cab when you get in

 

Mine does the same thing I found that if you give it a bit of gas and get the rpms up over 2500 3rd will kick in.

 

I agree, best not to mess with the sensors. That would be last resort.

I still do this when I have time or on those cold cold mornings, but sometimes I'm late for bingo.

I may look into this thanks. A warm cab is always nice in the winter.

Good to know thanks, I will give that a try and see what happens.

 

I had one installed around 5 years ago. So nice to start it while I get my shoes and coat on. then walk down from my Apt. and it's at least running for around a minute or two by the time I get in so I can drive off. still will take a minute or two to get the fluid warm enough. although I agree with @magog45 that a little extra rpms will help warm faster and let it shift

 

I’ve had this happen on several occations. If, like others have said, you drive it before it gets warmed up, it will hold off shifting (it doesn’t prevent it from shifting, it just delays it slightly).

It’s by design, as it is trying to warm the engine up.

But quite honestly it does it like once, and typically by the next stop light it’s warmed up sufficiently and doesn’t do it again. Not a big deal, really.

So you have a choice, either deal with it and recognize you are driving it before sufficiently warmed up, or simply give it a minute, and let it idle a bit before driving off. I personally wouldn’t get a remote start *just* for this reason...

Seriously, 60 seconds is all it really takes. Obviously winter takes longer, but I always let it warm up if nothing else but for the comfort factor of not freezing my ha ds to the wheel.

 

Its mostly for emissions. To get the CAT up to temp sooner to burn off the un combusted fuel of a cold start.

 

The temp sensor prevents 4th gear ( overdirve ) until the transmission and engine get to operating temperature . 160 - 170 degrees
Is your cooling system functioning as it should ? Last thermostat ?
Are you sure its 3rd gear your trans wont upshift into ? This means its hanging in 2nd gear when cold ?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

You gave a second reason for remote start in your own post

Seriously though, there's days that I have to scrape 10" of snow off my truck before I get to the ice that built up before the snow started. So a remote start would be great for kicking on the defroster and warming everything up a bit, plus help warm the engine before you drive it. Seems like enough of a reason for me at least, though I have yet to pull the trigger on a system

 

What I meant by that, is that I wouldn't get a remote start *just* to not have the truck delay shifting to 3rd gear when it's cold (engine temp, not weather), as was the OP's issue.

There are, of course, other reasons to have a remote start that make more sense.

 

Yeah, mine is the same. It will delay it slightly and once it is able to shift it won't happen again during warm up.

That makes sense thanks

That link is gold thanks!! Yes it will hold in 2nd gear until temps are up enough for it to shift into 3rd. My cooling system works as it should. I haven't changed the thermostat since owning it so not sure on that. It could be the original still and a new one could make a difference.

 

I brought the rpm's to about 2800 this morning and it shifted to 3rd when cold. I just never took it that high cold thinking it would continue to increase the rpm's and not shift. That may be what i can do when I'm in a hurry. Thanks again for the tip.

 

Transmissions do not normally hold second gear when cold unless you have an issue .
When you select drive in the morning , this is considered first gear , the transmission then upshifts to second , then 3rd and once the truck is warm enough , it will select 4th .
If the transmission is hanging in 2nd gear when cold , then you have to look deeper into the issue . Catch the problem before it gets costly .
Because the transmission is completely computer controlled , I would check the transmission for trouble codes to begin

 

mine has done this since day one of purchase. so there must be an inherent flaw in the A340. I've usually driven around a minute and then it shifts right into 3rd. if it's warm or hot out no problems, but during the cooler months it holds off getting to 3rd until the fluid is warmer/flowing better