Trans Slipping when Cold

[Tiggie]

The AOD is slipping in OD when cold, and only when climbing a hill. Like below freezing. It's just a little skip/slip, and almost feels like the engine misses. I'm sure it's the transmission, however. It's fine when it's warmed up, or when it's a warm day to start with. Flat land is fine also. All other gears are flawless. Ideas? Is this a sign of things to come? The fluid has about 5K miles old, smells fine, and looks good. And the TV adjustment is jacked up a little from stock. It's at 223K miles, so I know it's on borrowed time.

[91waggin]

The only thing I can think of is try changing to mercon v, as opposed to regular dex/merc. Mercon v fluid is a fully synthetic fluid and may flow better cold. However you may actually have a slight misfire. I know I've been fooled more than once.

How are you SURE it's the trans? I know when mine misfires, it's in a high load/low rpms situation and shifting into third will raise the revs and make it go away.

[Tiggie]

I am sure it's the trans. Did it again this afternoon, this time after about 10 minutes of driving and 5 miles, again uphill in OD. I thought it'd be fine given the 10 minutes of driving, plus it was in the low-40's Fahrenheit today.

This is the same transmission that had been driven around for who knows how long with the TV cable unhooked. It was at 180K when I got it (with transmission fluid that looked like used motor oil). Prior owner said it was slipping. It's also the transmission that lost first gear for two weeks, then magically healed itself. That was 4 years ago!

Maybe it will self-heal again...