transmission slow to engage - AUTO

[000utback]

2000 Outback with 90k, auto trans. When I shift from Park to Drive or Reverse, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission engages. THis seems to be getting worse. Any suggestions? On a similar note - is there a Mobil1 spin-on filter that will fit the atf filter? Thanks!

[Skip]

Most probable cause is low hydraulic pressure.

This can be caused by

*contaminated fluid

*semi plugged filter

*worn pump

 

or all three.

I would have the fluid changed via a power flush,

and a new filter fitted (I do not know the answer to your second question.)

 

By the way there is no "Power" in a power flush.

The fluid that is returning to the pan first goes through

the cooling radiator inside the main radiator.

 

When a "power flush" is performed,

the line to the cooling radiator is disconnected and

spliced to a 2 chambered sealed reservoir.

The two chambers are separated by a movable piston.

 

One chamber contains new ATF and is connected to the cooling radiator.

As the fluid is pumped in by the transmission

the new fluid is forced out and into the cooling radiator

and thus into the tranny.

 

All fluid is changed this way including the fluid in the torque convertor.

 

maybe add a bottle of transmission honey (Lucas makes a good one as does Seafoam)

 

Good luck, a tranny is a terrible thing to waste

[OB99W]

2000 Outback with 90k, auto trans. When I shift from Park to Drive or Reverse, there is a noticeable delay before the transmission engages. THis seems to be getting worse. Any suggestions? On a similar note - is there a Mobil1 spin-on filter that will fit the atf filter? Thanks!

As Skip mentioned, fluid problems can be the cause, and changing it if that hasn't been done recently is probably a good idea.

 

The 4EAT, like most auto transmissions, is sensitive to fluid level. There's a detailed description of how to check it here:

http://endwrench.com/pdf/drivetrain/02Winter4EATDiagServ.pdf

 

Is the problem more evident when the trans is either cold or hot?

 

As to the spin-on filter, I also don't know if there's a Mobil1-branded replacement available, but why do you ask? Yes, I know the OEM one is steeply priced; if that's the concern, perhaps try getting one from an online dealer. I had to replace the one on my '99 because it developed a leak in the shell. Apparently road salt (from deicing) had slowly eaten a hole through it!

[Skip]

OB99W is correct and I am at fault

I assumed and I should never do that,

that the fluid level had been checked?

 

It is sometimes difficult to get an accurate reading on

some of these trannys.

 

I have to check both sides of the dip stick to find

a suitable representation level.

 

Follow OB's and the endwrench article's suggestions

and please post a follow up.