It'* a problem I've had on this van for the last 4 years. It'* more of a nuisance than anything...

When starting up cold, the tranny will not go into gear. As long as she sits running for 10 minutes or so, it goes right into gear. The van will run and shift gears just fine after that.

It'* like clockwork. I know if I start it up and come out 15 minutes later she'* going to go.

But...why is this happening?

The fluid level is good...never any leaks.

I have swapped out the tranny filter and gave it new fluid about 2 years ago. No change in the behavior.

I've been told that the torque converter return line is bad and the fluid is just emptying out each night. That the life of the tranny is not going to be effected other than having to wait for it.

Is there anything relatively simple to correct this? It'* just annoying that I have to burn up 15 minutes of go-go juice before I can even drive the thing.

You either have a bad seal on the input clutch or a bad input sprag. It was very common on this vintage of 4T60-E'* to have the outer input clutch seal roll. It is an internal problem.