Jeep sat all day in the cold weather. I went to move it at night, so it was a cold start.

I put it in drive expecting the idle to lurch forward but it didn't move. I gave it a light tap of the gas pedal and I heard a knock and it still didn't move. So I shifted to neutral, then to park and back to Drive and then it starts to move forward but is making a grinding noise like something metallic is circling and catching on something. This noise lasts for 5 seconds, goes away, and the transmission is back to normal.

I changed the fluid 25,000 miles ago (3 years ago), 12 quarts over 500 miles. The transmission always is great so I am not sure what it could be. I am thinking cold weather, cold fluid messing with pressure? I am no expert here, so any suggestions are appreciated.

I haven't tried it yet this morning, so I don't know if it will repeat.

 

How cold was it outside and how long did it run before you put it in drive?

also what does "12 quarts over 500 miles" mean?

 

It was a windy 28 degrees. I let it run for about 20 seconds before I tried to move it.

12 quarts over 500 miles is my short way of saying I did 3 fluid changes in the span of about 500 miles of driving, since the system carries 12 quarts and every drain and fill only does 4 quarts at a time.

 

Just drove it around and it is normal. No issue on startup. Oh well, chalk this up to another XJ quirk.

 

where's the official chalk board for that... I've got a few I could put up there from my XJ too. lol.

 

That would be a long list.

 

I would suspect the torque converter trying to fill back up with thick fluid. I have not had this happen on these yet but I have had it happen on other makes. And it can sound god awful...

 

Any moisture?

Rain or snow?

I've had my brake pads/shoes freeze to the rotor/drum and give a weird reaction like that.

 

It was raining when I parked it the night before and then the temps dropped.

Had not thought of that, Cruiser.

 

So, a guy from Long Island has to learn about that from a guy in Arizona????

Well, the mountains of Arizona....

 

Occam's razor- The simplest explanation is usually the right one.

 

Would the frozen brakes sound bad for 5 seconds of moving? Wouldn't it be a snap as the brakes brake free from the ice?

 

Depending on tire size 5 seconds would be just about one full revolution I think. And it would probably take a full revolution to clear it all off.

 

That makes sense. Thanks, Bugout

 

Mr Cruiser deserves the credit Sir. I would have not thought of this possibility. Even though I am in Arizona too I am a flatlander and he is a highlander. lol

If it happens again you will probably recognize it as feeling similar to power braking.