cold weather won't shift

[patb]

I've noticed with temps around freezing, i shift into R or D
and i don't have an effective shift for 10-15 seconds.

if you rev the engine it will catch, but, it's odd.

[Cobb]

Id recommend changing your cvt fluid. Mines takes 5 seconds in 30 degree weather.

[insightfulone]

I believe a 3-5 second shift delay on first startup when cold is normal for this car. The delay is much longer than on an ordinary automatic, so it is noticeable. I have only noticed on startup in the morning and after work. I basically wait for it to catch rather than rev the engine, as the resulting lurch cannot be good for it. It doesn't occur in warmer weather. Joecvt had a good explanation for the cause by I cannot find his earlier post on this issue.

[nursemike]

All of my hondas, including both with CVTs, behave like this. I noticed the CVTF does appear extra low on the stick in very cold weather. When I added some to my HCH II a few winters ago, it expanded when the weather warmed and affected shift quality. Even my '89 Accord did this, it's just a nuance of Honda trannys.

[GoMetricToday]

Good I am glad I am not the only one who has noticed this quirk. Like Insightfulone said. It only happens on cold starts. I am assuming that the fluid is a bit more viscous then and takes a few seconds for the pressure to build. I just wait until it catches and all is well. With all the snow we have had recently I don't dare press the accelerator before it catches for fear of sliding on the snow and ice.