Quick transmission warm up in cold temps

[KyLandcruiser]

I believe these transmissions are designed to warm up quickly in frigid temperatures. I noticed on my LC the transmission won’t go into overdrive at 60 mph until it’s warmed up. The transmission gauge will climb half way then the gauge will drop back down. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this.

 

[cvx5832LC]

How cold we talking about? In our 37-ish F mornings I don’t ever remember seeing that, but it does take forever to get it fully warmed up, especially on trips with a freeway involved.

 

[KyLandcruiser]

It’s 22 where I’m at this morning. If you don’t watch the gauge you may not notice it. The gauge will climb half way and drop back down. By the time you hit the freeway the gauge probably already went up and came back down.

 

[Nuke]

How cold we talking about? In our 37-ish F mornings I don’t ever remember seeing that, but it does take forever to get it fully warmed up, especially on trips with a freeway involved.

Will have to check, but if I recall, Toyota used a traditional belt-driven water pump on the LC? Our current Highlander, with an electric water pump, warms up amazingly rapidly, even on below zero F mornings. I would think, but don't know for sure, with a belt-driven water pump the coolant circulation cannot be fully shut off when warming up the engine.

 

[KyLandcruiser]

Will have to check, but if I recall, Toyota used a traditional belt-driven water pump on the LC? Our current Highlander, with an electric water pump, warms up amazingly rapidly, even on below zero F mornings. I would think, but don't know for sure, with a belt-driven water pump the coolant circulation cannot be fully shut off when warming up the engine.

This is the transmission not the engine. I’d say the transmission keeps the cooling loop closed until it warms up.

 

[berry802]

I believe these transmissions are designed to warm up quickly in frigid temperatures. I noticed on my LC the transmission won’t go into overdrive at 60 mph until it’s warmed up. The transmission gauge will climb half way then the gauge will drop back down. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this.

Yes, mine does the same. I believe this is normal, my 23 4Runner does the same.

 

[DudewithaLC]

Mine does it too. Makes me feel like the 4-banger doesn't haven't enough power to do highway speeds but nice to know everyone else is experiencing it too.

 

[EOD Guy]

Pretty sure the thermostat in the engine cooling system would be 99.9% closed until the thermostat warmed enough to open etc..... The Xmsn should, IDK, be an open loop into the lower portion of the radiator.

 

[KyLandcruiser]

Pretty sure the thermostat in the engine cooling system would be 99.9% closed until the thermostat warmed enough to open etc..... The Xmsn should, IDK, be an open loop into the lower portion of the radiator.

The engine has no thermostat. The T24A uses a recirculating valve. The valve has ports to send coolant to different areas of need. The transmission should have its own valve also.

 

[EOD Guy]

I stand corrected, the T24A uses an electric control valve, which takes the place of the traditional thermostat, but serves the same purpose. Temp sensors control the valve etc........ additionally a "water type" oil cooler is used.

The xmsn uses two temp sensors, which I assume controls an electric valve, IDK.

 

[ultane]

So, at 20° F, how long should we wait for our LC’s to warm up?

 

[KyLandcruiser]

So, at 20° F, how long should we wait for our LC’s to warm up?

No need to wait longer than maybe 30 seconds. I just wouldn’t go flooring it until engine is warmed up.

 

[cvx5832LC]

No need to wait longer than maybe 30 seconds. I just wouldn’t go flooring it until engine is warmed up.

Same. Just put it in Drive and go. Thankfully the LC doesn’t need to be pushed hard to get you moving.