The engine hasn't warmed up for 15 to 20 minutes?

DS2004

MEMBER
2004 DODGE STRATUS
132,000 MILES

When the engine hasn't warmed up for 15 to 20 minutes, the automatic transmission won't shift into reverse or drive. (Like it is in neutral) This only happens after the car has sat overnight and has not warmed up first. Once I put it into drive and begin driving out of my parking space, it sometimes acts like it is in neutral. I have to sit awhile and wait for it to warm up before I can drive. When I drive it throughout the day, it is fine. What are the possible problems?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,171 POSTS

Is the trans fluid full? Has the check engine light come on?

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 AT 1:43 AM

DS2004

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The check engine light has not come on and we are going to doublecheck the trans fluid. We are almost certain that it is full.

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 AT 2:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,171 POSTS

Let me know what you find.

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 AT 2:47 AM

DS2004

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The transmission fluid is fine.

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2013 AT 4:02 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,171 POSTS

Hi,

When you shift gears, does the indicator light show the correct position? Also, have you tried scanning the CAN to see if there are codes stored in other modules?

CAN stands for controller area network. This type of scan retrieves codes regardless of the module storing them. It's just a thought at this point.

Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Now, what you are describing sounds like it could be caused by low line pressure that builds as the vehicle warms up. I need to know the following information to check specifications and for diagnostics. Is the vehicle a coupe or sedan? Also, does it have a 2.4L 4 cyl or the 2.7L 6 cyl.

Let me know.

Joe