This AM, the outside air temp was -4F. I plugged in the block heater and lower rad hose heater last night just to see if it would make a difference in coolant temp as read on BDGT, nope, not a degree! Anyway, to the real interesting part. I usually warm the truck up at least 10 min before moving but this morning, I had to leave after about a 2 min warm-up. At first I thought I left the parking brake on, nope, not that. The next thought was, I dumped the tranny and I wasn't even having funThen I saw the tranny temp on the BDGT and it read 28F. Wow, that ATF+4 must really get thick cause it sure don't want to operate the tranny. Needless to say, I took it real slow, kept the RPM around 1200 and let the tranny it get up to 50F. After that it shifted fine, no slipping, missed shifts, or hunting. Learn something new and exciting about these trucks every day

 

The tranny fluid doesnt circulate while the trans is in park. Try putting the truck in neutral while idling.

 

There, I feel much better now

 

On my 06 even in warmer temps than that after sitting a few days going to drive it don't move for a few seconds until pressure builds in converter then all is fine. From what I have read it's normal.

 

If I wanted to I could start up at -13 degrees without the plug and drive off. I've done this just to move it before. It was a little doggy but still driveable.

 

I would have expected ATF+4 to be a bit less viscous in the cold weather. It is a full synthetic, right?

 

No ATF+4 is not a true synthetic fluid, its made from highly refined group III crude oil base stock with a few additives mixed in thus it can be legally called synthetic ATF even though its not. If you want the real deal synthetic ATF then you need to use Redline, Amsoil, Royal Purple.

 

Are those an ATF+4 variant or is all synthetic just compatable fluid? Been a ton written up in this and other forums. Seems to be as many opinions as there are fluids.

 

Sur5er, what ATF+4 are you usin'? I was told that my ATF+4 would have sluggish shifting when it's cold.....My mind just went blank on which trans fluid I use.....sheesh. I'll have to get back to you on what I have in mine.

 

I got mine at Wally World! It's on the Dodge approved list and it's the cheapest! I'm all for the synthetic ATF, especially up here in NY. I don't tow, pull sleds, or tear a$$ around blowing away the "rice burners", so I figure my services can to 50,000 miles with the proper synthetic. I'll still do the filter and 4 qts every 25,000.

 

one thing i always do cuz my dad told me to. In the morning before i drive off is to put the tranny in all the gears like reverse-neutral-drive. do this a couple of times before driving off and all is well. since that tranny fliud has been sitting in cold weather all night and not moving around. going through the gears for a bit will move the fluid around and heat it up a little bit.

 

All ATF + 4 approved for our dodge is " synthetic". as it is classified......if you use something else......there goes your warranty.

 

Ahhhhh yes, truth in advertising! And we wonder why someone is questioning what the definition of "is" is. Sounds like the chicken you get at the store. If it isn't "chilled" to 20F, then it wasn't really frozen ...... but they strongly recommend you don't freeze it ......again

 

I used Amsoil ATF on my first service at a Dodge shop and had another Dodge shop replaced my valve body under warranty when it went out and the guy had no idea that most of the ATF he drained out was not Mopar ATF nor did they even ask to see my service records.