Ok, this might be a little o/t, but people use 4T60E's all the time in fiero's....

I don't know if its just a weird fluke, maybe being too cold. Keep in mind that Michigan's temps are ranging from -5 to 30 degrees right now.

This morning when I started the car, and I put it in reverse the transmission wouldn't engage at all, except for the tiniest little bit, so I put it back in park, then back into reverse, it was still lagging, then 3 seconds later, it finally engaged and started rolling. Now other times when I put it into drive, it'll do the same thing, barely move, except a little bit, when it finally engages after a few seconds. I've only had one time where its felt weird while driving, it seemed like the car was slowing down some for a few seconds, then it was fine. Only time for that. So is this a sign of a future end, or do you think its just because of it being too cold?

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I wouldn't call what your tranny is doing as failure, or normal for that matter. Every vehicle I have does almost the exact same thing you are describing if I just jump in it and start up and try to drive it immediately in these subzero temps. The problem is with these very cold temps, your transmission fluid turns in to molassis and takes a long time to flow thru all the passages in the transmission. Believe it or not, your engine oil does the same thing. You really need to let your vehicle(s) warm up good before you drive it on these cold days.

Especially pertaining to the engine. Yes, I too hear people argue all the time about how it is bad to let an engine just sit there and idle. But consider driving it when it is cold. There are a lot of parts in the engine that depend on OIL SPLASH for lubrication, such as piston pins, pistons, rings, lifters, etc and with that oil being cold and thick, it won't lubricate those parts. Something to think about the next time you just start your car up and drive it right away. Letting the engine idle does not put as much load on those internal parts as driving it does.

Best thing you can do is get a block heater. Some of that heat will transfer to the transmission as well just because it is bolted to the engine. If you don't have a block heater then the best thing I can suggest is let your car warm up at least to the point when your coolant temp gauge starts moving BEFORE you drive it.

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A. Yes it is an O/T item.
B. No, people don't use this trans all the time in Fieros, in fact there's only a little history of about 2 years.
C. You fail to mention how old the trans is, what engine is it coupled to, how many miles are on it, and has it received any recommended service.
D. Does the trans fluid smell funny, or look dirty or burnt???
E. Even at sub-zero temps it shouldn't be acting the way you describe, during vehicle development all design intent vehicles are tested to -40 F temperatures, they may be a little sluggish at first, but they do move without the problems you stated.
F. Your signature belongs on a Mustang Forum.

Since it's been under 20 degrees this last month, my car takes just a about a second or so to kick into reverse when starting the car cold. Other that that the tranny works fine so I've chalked it up to the fluid being cold and thick.

The one in my fiero has done it, I have had other trans do the same thing , serviced them and it has cleared up . I just have not had time to work on fiero lately.
When is the last time you serviced the trans? Might be time for a fluid/filter change.
or could be from really cold weather?

It actually got cold enough here that my tranny coolant line started to leak. It had a slice in it and when it got cold it split the dang thing. I would chalk it up to the cold but I would also change the filter and fluid when it get warmer out.
Good luck
HTH

If its VERY cold it might take a second or two to switch into reverse, thats normal.... Both auto fieros I had/have did this. But once its in gear it should not be sliping when you give it gas.

If your fluid is really bad it might be the problum; more likely trannie is getting worn out.

[This message has been edited by ManiMack (edited 02-05-2004).]

My Grand Prix on a cold day does the same...takes some time to slip into gear. Seems normal to me for the reasons stated above.

Lets see, bought the car at 97,000 miles, almost 102,000 miles, 3.1 V6, haven't had the tranny serviced yet, the engine has 10w30 mobil one synthetic, should be a 5w30, but the 10w30 was put in when it was warmer. The coolant lines for the tranny are leaking a little bit, but I've been checking the transmission fluid a lot, making sure it doesn't go down too far, and so far, it's still at a good level. Tonight, the tranny was acting sluggish, with the engine, around 50-60 its weird, and stuff, can't really describe it. The tranny will go into overdrive, and the engine will go down to 1800 rpm's, but when I give it more gas, its slowly going up, and the engine is having a hard time trying to pull upto a faster speed. When the tranny will finally downshift, and the engine shoots to 2500 rpm's.

I would have to agree with what most have said here. If you don't know or are not sure of the service record of your vehicle, a transmission fluid and filter change would definately not hurt.