₦airaland Forum

Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

Guy go meet mechanic na
U dey ask us wey no get bicycle yet.⁷

But na car talk section be this nah.


Sir, Wetin you find come here?

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

You have hardened rubber seals in your transmission. It will get worse over time, even getting to the point where you may have to start the car before taking shower.

If you have a reliable gear mechanic, he should be able to fix it by replacing those hardened seals.

Good luck.

DistrictAutos:
You have hardened rubber seals in your transmission. It will get worse over time, even getting to the point where you may have to start the car before taking shower.

If you have a reliable gear mechanic, he should be able to fix it by replacing those hardened seals.

Good luck.

Oh!

So it has nothing to do with the oil?

I was contemplating changing the oil first before any repair work.

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

When was the last time you replaced your transmission fluid & the filter? That's a good place to start.

bravolad:
When was the last time you replaced your transmission fluid & the filter? That's a good place to start.

16months ago, i.e. Last year in February. Toyota ATF WS.

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

Good morning sir.

Vehicle: Toyota RAV4 2008 (Automatic)
Concern: Delayed engagement into Drive (D) after long parking period, especially in the morning

Let’s address this properly before anyone recommends unnecessary gearbox replacement or trial-and-error repairs.


* Professional Diagnostic Insight

From your explanation:

• Vehicle hesitates to move when shifted into Drive
• Delay lasts about 4–5 seconds
• Sometimes engages with a jerk
• Happens mainly after the vehicle has been parked for several hours or overnight
• Once it starts moving, the transmission behaves normally throughout the day

* This is a classic sign of delayed transmission pressure build-up during cold start.

In simple terms:

When the vehicle sits for long hours, transmission fluid pressure is not building quickly enough during initial engagement.


* Important Observation

The fact that:

• It only happens after long parking periods
• And disappears once the vehicle warms up

…is a very important clue.

This usually points more toward:

• Hydraulic pressure leak-down
• Valve body wear
• Transmission fluid condition
• Or early internal seal wear

—not necessarily complete gearbox failure yet.


* Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Weak Transmission Fluid Pressure
• Pressure drains internally while parked
• Causes delayed gear engagement on startup


2. Old / Degraded Transmission Fluid
• Fluid loses viscosity and hydraulic efficiency over time
• Common on aging Toyota transmissions


3. Valve Body or Solenoid Wear
• Pressure control valves may stick during cold conditions
• Delayed pressure application causes the hesitation and jerk


4. Internal Seal Wear (Early Stage)
• Seals harden with age
• Fluid leaks internally overnight before startup


* What Should Be Checked Now

Before making major repair decisions:

1. Check Transmission Fluid Level Properly
• Must be checked at operating temperature
• Low fluid can worsen delayed engagement


2. Inspect Fluid Condition
Check if fluid is:
• Dark
• Burnt-smelling
• Contaminated


3. Perform Transmission Scan
Even if no warning light is showing, stored transmission codes may exist.


4. Live Data Monitoring
Check:
• Line pressure behavior
• Solenoid response
• Transmission temperature


* Do NOT Do This

• Do NOT ignore the symptom because it “goes away later”
• Do NOT continue forcing the gear aggressively every morning
• Do NOT rush into full gearbox replacement yet
• Do NOT allow random mechanics to start dismantling the transmission unnecessarily


* Professional Insight

Your transmission is already giving an early warning sign.

The delayed engagement means:

• Hydraulic pressure is not applying immediately during cold startup.

If attended to early, it may still be resolved with:
• Proper fluid service
• Valve body attention( If its something that could be corrected)

But if ignored for too long(or you have driven the car with same symptoms for long, it depends):
• It can progress into clutch pack damage and major transmission failure. and that could lead to a proper replacement.



* Ryan Automotive Limited Recommendation

The next step should be a structured transmission diagnosis, including:

• Proper ATF inspection
• Transmission pressure evaluation
• Live data scan
• Solenoid and valve body assessment

At Ryan Automotive Limited, we carry out professional transmission diagnostics and fault tracing to identify whether the issue is fluid-related, hydraulic, electrical, or internal wear — before unnecessary replacement costs occur.

Early diagnosis is always cheaper than full Replacement because we don’t support rebuild

Precision • Transparency • Excellence

Ryan Automotive Limited

The same thing I am experiencing on my 2004 Camry.

Clogged valve body, solenoid, bad transmission, worn ATF, Above all scan the transmission with a quality scan tool, log some data and that can point you in the right direction. If no good scanner, save yourself from becoming an ATM, just buy a new transmission

Check your transmission solenoid,it's usually the culprit... The 2008 Toyota RAV4 transmission solenoids control fluid flow to regulate gear shifting. Depending on the trim (4-cylinder or V6), the RAV4 uses multiple shift solenoids (often A, B, C, and D) and a pressure control solenoid. Costs range from \(15,000-20,000\) to per solenoid..
Common Symptoms:
delayed or harsh shifting: Difficulty changing gears or hard clunks when the car shifts.Stuck in gear: The vehicle may stay locked in a single gear or get stuck in limp mode.Skipping gears: The transmission skips over gears during acceleration.Check Engine Light (CEL): Frequently triggers Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) like P0741, P0751, or other shift solenoid circuit codes.
To replace or test the solenoids, you will likely need a transmission fluid flush, a new transmission filter, and a gasket for the transmission pan. Solenoids can be tested with a multimeter (checking for specified resistance, usually 11-15 ohms for common 2-pin configurations) or by applying \(12V\) to check for a clicking sound.Part Identification: To find exact OE parts (e.g., Solenoid No. 2 or the Lock-up/Clutch Control Solenoid) for your specific VIN, use the Toyota Parts Overstock Catalog.Aftermarket Alternatives: Find exact-fit aftermarket solenoids (such as Duralast or Rostra) using the AutoZone 2008 RAV4 Transmission Solenoids catalog.Browse Part Numbers: Compare different aftermarket and OEM shift solenoids 2008 Toyota RAV4 Shift Solenoid.
Note: Replacing individual solenoids usually requires dropping the transmission pan, removing the valve body, and working with potentially brittle wiring harnesses. Due to the complexity of the transmission, professional mechanical diagnosis is highly recommended.

Change the fluid and the seal first.

Thank me later

Change the gear Oil and the filter.

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

Gear oil seal solves the problem.

I Fixed similar issue in my car last month.
Don't panic it can still serve you for the next 6months depending when the symptoms started.

Visit a good gear mechanic he will know what to do

You don't change Transmission Oils like Engine Oil, depending on the quality and specifications of the Oil....has the Oil done atleast 30,000 miles?..

apexquest:
Oh!

So it has nothing to do with the oil?

I was contemplating changing the oil first before any repair work.

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

You might need a new transmission..change the gear oil first

ChatGpt already visited this page. So I'm out

I suspect witch ooo....oya try driving it from night till the break of dawn ...that will prevent the witch that has made your transmission box its
sleeping place to find another residence.

Thank me later.

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

Go and have you filter and oil changed before it's too late. Gear box too cosy now o

Low transmission oil, probably the hose is leaking too.

Tell the Rewire to check the cold start sensor or the knock sensor. Either of the two is the cause. They are less than 10k

Check to confirm that there is no leakage. Change the transmission fuild and filter asap!

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

Perhaps your spark plug is weak.

Check transmission fluid level

Will visit this page later to learn more

Will visit this page later to learn more

apexquest:
Hello gurus in the house, I need help and guidance.
Recently I noticed that in the morning when I want to leave the house, the car will hesitate to move after I have put it in drive 'D'. After about 4 to 5 seconds, it will engage sometimes with a jerk and begin to move.
For the remaining part of the day it will not do it again untill the next day.
It happens every morning and whenever I have left the car for several (over 5 to 6) hours.

It's a 2008 Rav4.

What do I need to check or attend to, please.??

RyanAutomotive:
Good morning sir.

Vehicle: Toyota RAV4 2008 (Automatic)
Concern: Delayed engagement into Drive (D) after long parking period, especially in the morning

Let’s address this properly before anyone recommends unnecessary gearbox replacement or trial-and-error repairs.


* Professional Diagnostic Insight

From your explanation:

• Vehicle hesitates to move when shifted into Drive
• Delay lasts about 4–5 seconds
• Sometimes engages with a jerk
• Happens mainly after the vehicle has been parked for several hours or overnight
• Once it starts moving, the transmission behaves normally throughout the day

* This is a classic sign of delayed transmission pressure build-up during cold start.

In simple terms:

When the vehicle sits for long hours, transmission fluid pressure is not building quickly enough during initial engagement.


* Important Observation

The fact that:

• It only happens after long parking periods
• And disappears once the vehicle warms up

…is a very important clue.

This usually points more toward:

• Hydraulic pressure leak-down
• Valve body wear
• Transmission fluid condition
• Or early internal seal wear

—not necessarily complete gearbox failure yet.


* Most Likely Causes

1. Low or Weak Transmission Fluid Pressure
• Pressure drains internally while parked
• Causes delayed gear engagement on startup


2. Old / Degraded Transmission Fluid
• Fluid loses viscosity and hydraulic efficiency over time
• Common on aging Toyota transmissions


3. Valve Body or Solenoid Wear
• Pressure control valves may stick during cold conditions
• Delayed pressure application causes the hesitation and jerk


4. Internal Seal Wear (Early Stage)
• Seals harden with age
• Fluid leaks internally overnight before startup


* What Should Be Checked Now

Before making major repair decisions:

1. Check Transmission Fluid Level Properly
• Must be checked at operating temperature
• Low fluid can worsen delayed engagement


2. Inspect Fluid Condition
Check if fluid is:
• Dark
• Burnt-smelling
• Contaminated


3. Perform Transmission Scan
Even if no warning light is showing, stored transmission codes may exist.


4. Live Data Monitoring
Check:
• Line pressure behavior
• Solenoid response
• Transmission temperature


* Do NOT Do This

• Do NOT ignore the symptom because it “goes away later”
• Do NOT continue forcing the gear aggressively every morning
• Do NOT rush into full gearbox replacement yet
• Do NOT allow random mechanics to start dismantling the transmission unnecessarily


* Professional Insight

Your transmission is already giving an early warning sign.

The delayed engagement means:

• Hydraulic pressure is not applying immediately during cold startup.

If attended to early, it may still be resolved with:
• Proper fluid service
• Valve body attention( If its something that could be corrected)

But if ignored for too long(or you have driven the car with same symptoms for long, it depends):
• It can progress into clutch pack damage and major transmission failure. and that could lead to a proper replacement.



* Ryan Automotive Limited Recommendation

The next step should be a structured transmission diagnosis, including:

• Proper ATF inspection
• Transmission pressure evaluation
• Live data scan
• Solenoid and valve body assessment

At Ryan Automotive Limited, we carry out professional transmission diagnostics and fault tracing to identify whether the issue is fluid-related, hydraulic, electrical, or internal wear — before unnecessary replacement costs occur.

Early diagnosis is always cheaper than full Replacement because we don’t support rebuild

Precision • Transparency • Excellence

Ryan Automotive Limited

This your copy and paste de confuse me more lol

bluewagon:
Gear oil seal solves the problem.

I Fixed similar issue in my car last month.
Don't panic it can still serve you for the next 6months depending when the symptoms started.

Visit a good gear mechanic he will know what to do

Do u have bring down the whole gearbox before fixing the sil?

Python25to30:
Guy go meet mechanic na
U dey ask us wey no get bicycle yet.⁷

You could have just ignored the post and moved on with your life mehn

Man, go see your mechanic asap before you fry your transmission. The car wouldn't move no matter how hard you march the throttle and it happens only once everyday right? Once it's ready to move, it will jerk?
When mine was checked, not even a pint of oil was there.
Don't tell them where to check like you already know what's wrong. Don't give him a hint, let him check then you tally his response with this. Transmission Oil is the obvious culprit here

Not a car person / mechanic, however I may suggest you try to change the ba3