'03 H2 - reverse not engaging when firing up after cold night?
 

I live in Calgary, and we have had constant -25 mornings for the last few weeks. About a week ago I noticed that when first firing up the truck in the morning and putting it into reverse, that the truck barely moves back. There was no grinding, instead it was almost like the truck was in neutral but the truck would move back ever so slowly.

After happening everyday, I started testing a few things. First I checked the tranny fluid and it seems full and normal looking but I did smell a faint burnt smell (but I'm not sure either).

I also found that after playing with the shifter (in and out of reverse) that it eventually would 'click' and then I would have full reverse power. After further playing, I found that it isn't based on playing with the shifter, but rather appears to be time related, where after a few minutes of idling the reverse gear clicks in even the first time.

Could this be a sign that the fluid is bad and needs a change, or it is a bigger issue with the trans? Perhaps in the extreme cold, the fluid is not flowing well, so it needs time to warm up? But note that the issue is only with the reverse - all other gears work fine. FYI - I also tried putting it into 4Locked, and it made no different when 1st started in the morning (it again needed those few minutes until reverse engaged).

Any suggestions? I'm thinking of doin a tranny flush, but it is $200 here at the lube shops and if I have a bigger issue then I'd rather save the $200 and get the tranny fixed.

Thanks

Re: '03 H2 - reverse not engaging when firing up after cold night?
 

I know Florida does not see -25F but it has been very cold here this year and my Chevy pick up does the same thing as you mention.
If I let it warm up for a minute or 2 and it will still shift slower and hold the gears later. This will usually happen for about a mile or 2 and all will be normal.
I would suggest warm it up longer and driving it slowly till it warms fully ~Richard

Re: '03 H2 - reverse not engaging when firing up after cold night?
 

At the very least, you need to switch the tranny and transfer case over to Dexron-VI and drain out the Dexron-III, especially in those temps.

Re: '03 H2 - reverse not engaging when firing up after cold night?
 

I cant switch out of 4lo or 4hi if it is below 25 unless I warm everything up in 4hi for a mile or two.

Re: '03 H2 - reverse not engaging when firing up after cold night?
 

Change your filter and fluid completely and go from there.