My dads truck is an '06 that's stock with a smarty jr on Eco or tow. Anyway, his truck won't go into drive unless it warms up for 2-3 minutes. Any idea why it won't to into drive when he first starts it up?

 

The torque converter is draining back while sitting. Its not supposed to with the design but its not a 100% thing.

The stock trans does not circulate fluid in park so the TC never charges ans the fluid nevers warms. Once the engine fires set the parking brake and place the trans in neutral to charge the TC and circulate the fluid. It should be fine after 30-60 seconds like that.

 

Couldnt that be a sign of a failing TC?

 

Failing TC is possible, as is a sticky valve in the VB. The most common problem is TC drainback though. Now, if he warms it in neutral for a bit and it still won't go to gear immediately then there is a problem.

 

Thanks guys. I'll tell him to put it in neutral and see if that helps. I will report if it does or not.