76 camaro car

My 94 accord LX has gotten to where it takes awhile to change from 2nd to 3rd gears when it is cold outside. It only does this the first time I take the car off on cold mornings. After the first shift up it works normal. Twice on cold mornings the first time when I put it in drive it seems like it jumps out of gear. After I let off the accelerator it catches and works fine the rest of the day. Both of these problems only happen the first time I start the car and it is cold outside. Any idea's on what if anything I could do to solve this? Thanks

Lost Again

I'll assume the fluid is full.

When was the last time the trans fluid was changed? Also, starts debate, did you use Honda trans fluid?

76 camaro car

I'm ashamed to say it has been awhile since I have changed the fluid. Years ago I had a friend who built transmissions for aamco transmission. He told me once that if the fluid change has been neglected that changing it is will almost always cause failure. Because of that I have been leery of changing it. Is that saying a myth?

MAD_MIKE

Yes and no. (helpful huh?)

In GM rear axles when you have Posi-Traction if you do not add the friction modifier the rear axle clutches will skip an thump around when going around a corner. Add the friction modifier and the posi locks up in a straight line and the clutches are allowed to slip smoothly when going around a corner.

The friction modifier eventually breaks down and the clutch begins to wear. It's an inverse function. Modifier breaks down, clutch packs wear excessively, but this change is so gradual and imperceptible the feel of the Posi may not be noticed by the driver.

Then if the fluid is changed, new friction modifier is added allowing the desirable slip characteristics, but with worn clutches, the Posi-Traction no longer functions.

Same thing with an AT transmission there are multiple clutch packs, usually one for every gear, plus the lockup clutch in the torque converter. Combined with the change of viscosity/fluidity of the new ATF with detergents and friction modifiers the passages in the transmission are cleaned, varnish is removed, and the tolerances become loose.

Old rule I have always gone by;

If it smells burnt, change it. Color doesn't matter if the fluid is burnt it will not properly lubricate the internals, and can risk doing further damage to the transmission if not changed.

If its red, smells fine, and shifts normally, change it per requirements.

If its dark red, smells fine, and shifts normally, change it per requirements.
It's been a while since the fluid has been changed but it is still serviceable.

It it's burgundy, and smells fine, you may want to leave it alone, as the fluid has not been changed and the dark color is the suspended clutch material in the fluid. A change may cause the transmission to slip, start saving for a a rebuild/replacement.

If it's brown, smells fine, and shifts fine, leave it alone. The fluid is so contaminated with suspended clutch material, changing the fluid will most likely guarantee that the transmission will slip with a change.