What on Earth is going on with my transmission?!?!

[SaltyBeefCubes]

It has a weird problem, (I think its a sensor issue maybe?) on a cold start the car will be totally fine and drive like a champ, but after the car has been driven a while and heated up, if you shut it off then start it up again while the oil is still hot the AT Oil Temp light will come on and the car essentially wont drive until the light turns off.

Does anyone have an insight on why the car would be doing this?

If it's any help, the car is a 90 Legacy Sedan. AWD automatic.

[wtdash]

Hi,
Does the AT Oil temp light flash when you first turn on the car? If so, there's a trouble code stored in the transmission. Follow THESE STEPS to determine the code.

How's the ATF level? It's a PITA to check it but make sure the car is warmed up and has driven a few miles. Then check it w/the trans in Park and idling.

How many miles?

What maintenance have you done to the car - if any?

Td

[SaltyBeefCubes]

No the light just stays on, no flashing. If there's no flashing is it safe to assume that there may not be a code stored? The car has roughly 160k on it so nothing absolutely absurd. I'm wondering if make the transmission cooler went out?

[Someperson]

He means on cold start

[wtdash]

No the light just stays on, no flashing. If there's no flashing is it safe to assume that there may not be a code stored? The car has roughly 160k on it so nothing absolutely absurd. I'm wondering if make the transmission cooler went out?

Go to the link I provided and check for codes anyway to make sure....doesn't matter if the car is warmed-up or cold.

The tranny cooler is in the radiator. You'll see the 2 hoses connected to the driver's side of the radiator. You could remove them (have fun w/that!) and make sure they're flowing??

You didn't answer:
- ATF level OK?
- Recent Maintenance?

GL,
Td

[Legacy777]

I'd definitely suggest checking the trans fluid level. The engine needs to be running at a normal idle, and you should slowly cycle from park to 1 and then back to park again before checking the level.

[SaltyBeefCubes]

No the light just stays on, no flashing. If there's no flashing is it safe to assume that there may not be a code stored? The car has roughly 160k on it so nothing absolutely absurd. I'm wondering if make the transmission cooler went out?

Go to the link I provided and check for codes anyway to make sure....doesn't matter if the car is warmed-up or cold.

The tranny cooler is in the radiator. You'll see the 2 hoses connected to the driver's side of the radiator. You could remove them (have fun w/that!) and make sure they're flowing??

You didn't answer:
- ATF level OK?
- Recent Maintenance?

GL,
Td

Ok, so there are no transmission codes so that's a check. As far as maintenance goes the ATF fluid has been changed and is up to spec. To be honest I just bought this car for $700 from the original owners and have not actually experienced the symptoms they were describing. I figure at worst I replace the transmission, but again the trans shifts perfect but with no codes showing and the ATF looking good, that only thing I can think of is a possible cooling issue.

[Legacy777]

It may be a loose wire in the wiring harness or in the transmission that is causing a false positive with the light coming on.