What can cause rough AT transmission shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear when engine is cold/warm (not hot)(say 5 to 10 min. into driving)?
I have 2002 AT Outback 2.5L H4. Odometer is currently at ~ 74K km (~46K miles) and I had flushed transmission oil at 71K km (for the second time, first one was at 48K km)).
I drive around 90 km daily (60km city, 30km hwy).
I've also noticed that when I start engine and shift in reverse car kind of jumps backwards. But if I shift in drive all is good. I do not feel that 'jump'.
I know that ECU is designed to keep transmission in low gear(s) until engine/transmission is warmer but this is getting worse (I think).
My idea is that there is not enough AT oil in the transmission because once engine is hot (at operational temp.) everything is smooth. So I thought this is happening only until AT oil warms up and expands therefore reaches certain level that is ok for its operation. However, I tried checking oil level and it looks ok. Damn dip-stick it black and bends at one point so it is really hard to tell if the level is ok.
All ideas are appreciated. :-)
Cheers, Voja Burnaby, BC, Canada