[tdel323]

ok so i got my 6 in july, used with 89k miles on it. it is an 03 2.3 with automatic triptronic tranny. When i bought it, it was working beautifully but now that it is cold it is driving me crazy. Whenever i turn it on and i put it in drive (without letting it warm up a lot) it will not catch first gear. i can give it gas but it just inches along. my solution was turning the car on and letting it warm up for a while. now that i have the time i got the codes read and i got p0731-3. i know that has something to do with gear ratios and what not. i just need help with what it could be. Idk if this helps but i think my electrical system if faulty because whenever i am driving at night with the headlights on and i lock the car the lights dim...im also throwing a p0128 code but i do no think it is related in anyway...please anyone that could help? i would really appreciate it.

more info: i checked the transmission fluid and it was bone dry so i just put in 2 qrts. also it only happens on a cold engine. once i warm it up it only takes a second for it to grab first which is still slow but i dont expect much from an old car. i think it might have something to do with the battery or electrical systems.

 

[Egierda]

Triple posts are not appreciated.

 

[mazdaman24]

check the fluid again and make sure its not leaking and that it's full. Seeing as how it was bone dry, you may have messed up the solenoid (i have heard of this happening on other cars). Other than that you may have to live with it or take it to a shop.

 

[G Stone]

Im with mazdaman on the tranny issue. As far as your lights dimming when you lock the doors: thats pretty normal. When you use your power windows or locks it is creating a strain on the battery and thats why the lights dim a bit. If you want to get rid of that problem then buy Optima Yellow Top battery. For $200 you won't have that problem anymore but it seems like not much of a problem.

 

[flipper66]

Optima makes the single worst battery i have ever used.

that being said, Cold trans fluid thickens up severally and does not flow properly. this means your gears do not get proper lubrication because it is dealing with goo instead of lubrication. once the engine heats up the fluid within the Trans cooler(below the radiator) is heated and thins and flows properly.

Not sure where you are located but up in the Northern areas this is a common issue amoung all cars. Couple that with a low quantity of fluid you are trying to shift gears without lubrication. This is causing damage each time you do it and not catching properly.....

P0731--- P0731 - Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio | HelpForCars.net

P0128-- OBD-II Trouble Code: P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)

 

[G Stone]

Optima makes the single worst battery i have ever used.

Never said they were good, just the only battery I know that eliminates that dimming. They do have the highest returns of any battery (most returns are replaced under warranty).