Trans whines when cold

[DHOUGHTON]

I start the car when it is cold out, below 45, when I let up the clutch the car inches forward a few inches. The car is on a flat service. It also whines while driving until the car warms up after about a mile of driving. Clutch has about 8,000 miles on it. What could cause this?

Marathoner

 

[Edmond]

Hi,

Don't know what causes it but I can tell you that with the recent cold spell we've had, don't drive until that coolant temp. reaches at least 105. I do believe that's why the car goes into closed loop mode.

I've noticed that when you first start the vehicle, the engine is moving at 1000 RPM's until you get it warmed up to the point that it's moving at 600-700 RPM's. At least that's what I've noticed.

I always believed that not warming your car up before you drive will cut the potential life down.

 

[maxrevs85]

One of my old girlfriends was like that...

 

[secondchance]

Well, the car inching up when you release the clutch is what its suppose to do, right? I don't know what you are trying to say. As far as trans whine is concerned, it may be cold weather is inreasing the fluid visicosity. Does the whine go away after, say 15-20 minute drive?

 

[DHOUGHTON]

In neutral-car inches forward about 9-10" when real cold.

In neutral, car inches forward about 9-10" when real cold.
Is this viscosity related?
Whine does go away after driving about 5-10 minutes.
Maybe I will stop whining.


Marathoner

 

[secondchance]

Do you have the 4+3 speed or ZF 6speed.
Either way, if the car is moving slightly on level surface in neutral, sounds as if, although disengaed somehow gears are acting as if they are engaged. Almost like a torque converter. It sounds like a viscosity issue.
Anyone out there with similar situation?

 

[DHOUGHTON]

1990 L-98 6 speed Manual

Thanks for the input.

Marathoner

 

[Edmond]

Even though I have a 4 speed auto, this is my experience with the tranny in cold weather: it will not up shift in cold weather unless the vehicle is warmed up. It will literally not up shift and will run at 3,000 RPM's if I don't warm it up. Needless to say, I never drive without warming it up, especially in our cold weather we've had lately.

 

[Topless]

yeah, my hums a little when warm when going into gear. Strange and only occsionally.

 

[secondchance]

O.K. if its 6 sp, then I figure its ZF. Although its a stout tranny, these trans are somewhat noisy. I don't kmow what kind of trans fluid you are using, there have been a few thread and consensus seems to be to use BMW synthetic oil specified for M5 Motor. Yes, M5 motor oil. I'kk try to locate the thread and if I'm successful I'll post them.

 

[secondchance]

Check this thread. Ofcourse, there is no gurantee that the new fluid will reduce the whine but if and when you change the fluid, these info may be useful.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=467593

 

[Topless]

Last time I was at the dealer, I was going to have them change the trans fluid. They said the drain plug was froze, and they did not want to try to get it out unless they had a back up plug to replace it.

On the good side, he said that the fluid looked good, and would not bother changing it for another maybe 20K miles. Now mind you, that is on the original fluid, and I have 73K on the odometer.

I think I will be heading for the BMW fluid though soon. (Castrol Formula RS 10W-60) Got that from the link to the forum thread.

 

[muddywaters]

Whine

Areyou sure it's the tranny whining and not the rear ?

 

[vigman]

Change all fluids

With the CORRECT GM fluids... then let us know... If the car inches in neutral, when cold you got something REALLY thick & gloppy in there.


Vig!

 

[Topless]

I will try and work it in this week. (fluids)
I am sure it is not the rear end though. For sure it is the trans.

I will post if there is any change.