Does transmission struggle in cold weather?

I have a 2018 4Runner ORP and live in upstate New York. For the past week I noticed a noise while driving on highway at 40mph. It’s coming from underneath the car. It’s a sound similar to the one you have when you turn the engine on in a cold weather and just take off. It’s been very cold for the past 2 weeks (under 20 F). I though maybe the cold weather would be a reason. No sensors on, just that noise that sounds like driving right after a cold start. Any suggestions?

 

Cold weather can make lubricating fluids (even synthetics like your tranny fluid) less pliable for short times while they warm up. Assuming your transmission fluid level is normal and assuming the noise goes away after the tranny warms up (2-3 miles), it might be nothing.

It could also be something else. Brake pads for example.

Questions:
Does the noise quit after a couple miles?
How many miles are on your 18’ Runner (odometer)?
Have you applied your brakes while the truck is in motion and the noise is ongoing to see if that affects the noise?

 

Thanks much for your response!

Question 1: The noise is heard at 40 mph and less. I was driving on the freeway earlier with 80 mph and did not hear the noise. Then I reduced the speed at 40 mph and was able to hear the noise again. So, it looks like the noise does not quit after a couple miles.
Question 2: I have 130,000 miles on my 4Runner. The engine oil and transmission oil are good.
Question 3: I have not tried to apply the brakes while in motion to see if the noise is still ongoing. I will try it to see what happens.

 

In extremely cold weather, sometimes I do feel my transmission is dragging. But I do let my car heat before driving in extreme cold.
Put it in neutral while driving around 40 mph. See if the noise stays or goes away.

 

I wouldnt worry about it.

 

We were around 0-15 degrees for a good two weeks here in Louisville and I noticed that the truck (engine & transmission) drove better when not warming up the engine. Letting them warm up together on a slow drive out of the neighborhood seemed to keep everything happy.

 

Cold is not friendly, a little warm-up doesn't hurt, a few mins. anyhow. What are you going to do when it really gets cold? -22F without windchill here a while back, drove to a Doc. appt. 4Runner ran good! Hang in there... Spring is a-coming!

 

It`s a helicopter-like noise. It does not go away as I drive off...

 

-22 F?? My goodness! What state do you live in?

 

Don't have an answer for your specific issue. But I highly recommend warming up your car for a bit before driving, not for the motor but more for the transmission. Its been a world of difference in my 35+ years with transmissions.

 

Yes sir. Will do. Thanks for your response!

 

Wisconsin!

 

Haven't noticed anything down to -7. I let it warm up a bit before driving.

 

How do you know? How many times has the fluid been changed? Who changed it? Do you know for certain it's at the correct level?

 

I change the engine oil every 10k, synthetic oil. I do it at the dealership every time.

 

That's oil. Not transmission fluid.

 

If you put it in neutral and the noise does not go away, put it on lift and check for wheel bearing, brakes, drive shaft, U-joints (lubricate these as well and your Yokes, your dealer would not do these)...

 

No struggles.

 

I’m not sure I understand what kind of noise you’re hearing based on your description. Have you looked up any of the threads on the needle bearing noise in the front diff? It’s possible that’s what you’re hearing. You can determine if it’s the needle bearing by shifting it into 4hi. If the noise goes away in 4hi, it’s the needle bearing.

 

Mine doesn't shift into 5th until it's warm enough. I have a really big transmission cooler installed also.

 

when its zero here, .. struggle no, shift a bit different for a few miles, yes.

 

The sound you’re describing sounds like the engine clutch fan on high rev? That sound?

40mph? Isn’t that around when the torque converter wants to lock up? Give or take a mph or two.

I’d start with checking the fluid, open check valve when trans temp is around 110-115, see if you get any dribble. If you don’t at all, add some WS fluid until it dribbles then put check plug back in.

could be a few things…. The rabbit hole.. the gears inside, pump noise, cooling system issue.

Just start with a fluid check first. This can be an easy diy if you have a scanner that can read the trans temp. Save you $150 at least

 

It just has to get warmed up.

 

I have heated garage and I still warm up at least 60 seconds (with garage door open) before driving. Transmission oil temperature makes a lot of difference. More so, transmission fluid expands a lot with heat, you could be low when cold. Last but not least, clean and fresh fluid would have better flow, so consider doing maintenance.