First shift with cold engine = lurches.

[hammy56]

Every day, when my truck is cold, it hesitates, then lurches slightly when it shifts into 2nd for the first time...

after that, it shifts normally and smoothly.

any thoughts?

 

[sandawilliams]

My 2014 6.4 has done that since new. I think it is more of a surge when cold. Give it a couple of minutes more to warm up before taking off. On mine it is definitely a power surge from the engine rather than tranny related.

 

[16RamHemi]

mine does it too. 14 sport 5.7 8 speed 321 rear. some days worse than others. For me its worse when i go home from work as i go from the parking lot right onto a 55 plus road. From my house, i go down a small hill then 35mph road for a few miles then higher speed roads. I have also found that it can be lessened if you let off the gas as it shifts (or right before). I may try to drive around the parking lot and get it to shift to second once before getting on the main road. May be more hassle though.

 

[hammy56]

good to know its not just my truck...Im not overly concerned, I assumed it was a matter of cold trans fluid...

after that first shift the trans is butter smooth.

 

[U&A]

It’s probably part of the short learn procedure. I assume outside temperature air density and all that mumbo-jumbo has a lot to do with it.

Once It gets some air through it’s nostrils it “learns”


Sent while firmly grasping my redline lubed RAM [emoji231]

 

[16RamHemi]

i hate how my trans drives cold, esp in the winter. it feels unsure what it wants to do, what it should do, and what it will do.

 

[RamCares]

Every day, when my truck is cold, it hesitates, then lurches slightly when it shifts into 2nd for the first time...

after that, it shifts normally and smoothly.

any thoughts?

I understand why this would be concerning, hammy56. If you end up going into the dealer for an inspection, let us know. We're available via direct message and would be happy to help.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[6.7CumminsDrvr]

Mine does this if I use reverse first.........

 

[Taylor513]

Mine does the same thing, some days more violent then the others. It is super annoying and uncomfortable. Not really sure what causes it but it is concerning how hard it does it some days.

 

[16RamHemi]

Mine does the same thing, some days more violent then the others. It is super annoying and uncomfortable. Not really sure what causes it but it is concerning how hard it does it some days.

the last 2 days coming home (leaving work) the 1 to 2 shift has been quite strong. stronger than usual. before i could let off the gas before the shift and it would help reduce the firmness. these last two times letting off hasnt helped. its been good after that shift. buy man, hate that.

 

[McBroom]

Do you allow the engine to warm up before shifting?


- The Blue Mule

 

[16RamHemi]

Do you allow the engine to warm up before shifting?


- The Blue Mule

what would you define as warm up? its been mid to upper 70s lately. i start truck up, wait for tach to come down and i go. i dont like to idle any longer than i need to.

 

[McBroom]

what would you define as warm up? its been mid to upper 70s lately. i start truck up, wait for tach to come down and i go. i dont like to idle any longer than i need to.

When I first start my truck of a morning it idles at 12-1300. I let it warm up till the rpms drop to about 900. Usually about 2 minor so. I do this every time I start it unless it’s already a warmed engine. If I crank it up and it instantly idles over 1K then I let it rewarm. JMHO


- The Blue Mule

 

[McBroom]

I should’ve read your reply completely but yes sounds like your doing it right for warming it up. You’d be surprised at how many ppl hit the key and the shifter all in one fluid motion.


- The Blue Mule

 

[revitupmoto33]

Mine does it everyday when leaving my house, I always contributed it to the hill I live on. Usually just ease off the throttle right before it shifts to help reduce the amount of "lurching". Use autostart to let the truck get to temp while I get ready, so now way its due to being cold.

 

[tidefan1967]

Its completely normal. Many transmissions do it or something similar. GM's old 4spd automatic wouldn't shift into OD in many cases for several miles until the transmission warmed up enough especially if it was cold outside. I bet Verndiesel(one of our members with 500K plus miles on the same transmission)probably does the same thing and he's still going strong.

 

[16RamHemi]

I should’ve read your reply completely but yes sounds like your doing it right for warming it up. You’d be surprised at how many ppl hit the key and the shifter all in one fluid motion.


- The Blue Mule

yes i agree. i always (in every motored vehicle - snowmobiles, cars etc) wait for the idle to come down before driving.

 

[16RamHemi]

i dont think it has to do with temp either.

 

[McBroom]

i dont think it has to do with temp either.

I don’t have this problem after the motor warms up. While the motor is warming so is the transmission


- The Blue Mule

 

[16RamHemi]

I don’t have this problem after the motor warms up. While the motor is warming so is the transmission


- The Blue Mule

i think we are all saying and/or implying the samr thing. i get this shift everytime for the first 1 to 2 shift when my truck sits at work all day. temp doesnt matter. could be 20 or 95 out. either way my trans is not up to temp (175 to 190). takes quite a bit of driving to get it to warm up (talking that first start after sitting 10 hours).