1991 Stanza Trans Problem

[keegyp]

Hey, Im real new to this site so I might have this in the wrong place, but I hope someone can help me with this problem. It only occurs in the winter when its cold out, and the colder it gets the worst it gets. Very simply put my 91 Stanza seeme to only shift into the last gear when its nice and warmed up. (Im not talking about overdrive) I think its a 3 speed trans with a overdrive? Correct me if Im wrong. I was thinking I should give it a trans flush and it that doesnt work I was thinking about just buying I magnetic heater for it or something. I bought a parts car and it seems to have the same problem. Could it be the speed sensor, pedal sensor, valve body? I dont know, thats why Im hoping someone else had the same problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[Colby]

how cold are we talking?  below freezing?
could just be one of the belts inside the auto transmission which needs adjusting or replacing.  Quite common for a 15yo gearbox.  I would probably take it to a transmission specialist.

Otherwise I thought maybe something to do with fluid getting too thick in extreme cold.

[keegyp]

Yeah its around freezing and below.......... It gets worse the colder it gets.

[borgtj]

Until the transmission oil temp sensor detects a set value for temp rise ,it will not shift into OD,all the flushes in the world wont correct a normal problem
And colby the only "belt" in these transaxles is for 2nd and 4th and if it is slipping,adjusting it wont fix it.

[Colby]

thanks borgtj... i'm afraid we dont know much about the cold in Aus,  its bloody cold today at about 12'C 

[keegyp]

Well what do you think I should do?

[borgtj]

If you do have a problem cold,you may need a repair/overhaul