₦airaland Forum

Go service ur gear.

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.??

Boss. If you're in Lagos, reach out to this man. You'll thank me later. He saved my Acura.
Bishop (08105899970)

Gear oil low or needs changing to gauge. Also, service/clean the sensors, dirt causes it.

Above all, allow the car to warm properly before moving. That will allow the transmission oil to reach all angles.

I have the same vehicle, same problem.

I drained and refilled the ATF (as part of preventive maintenance) once or twice over the years.

The problem started about 4 years ago. There was a time several years ago that the ATF ran low and that may have caused this delayed engagement. Mechanic checked the transmission and recommended replacement.

I have learned to live with it.

Most likely ur gear fibres and seal, Drive fiber has burnt a lil, and the rubber seal had weared, no enof pressure to build wen transmission is cold. Change those 2 and watch ur car come back to life. Only issue is no new one in the market, they have to find another faulty gear and put, an trust me, it will not be very sharp, but u go still enjoy Am

Early signs of brain box malfunction.
Go and scan the car now.
The problem will extend.

Willy2025:
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

What are those got to do with tranny?

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

This is a very low IQ response because you are not obligated to respond if you know nothing about his issue.

stuffs2002:
This is a very low IQ response because you are not obligated to respond if you know nothing about his issue.

Normal my iq is very low

Change the ATF . But before that tell the mechanic to clean the gear oil filter inside d gear.

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 can't tolerate your car lag for 5 secs buh you want a wife that wil accept 2 secs in bed

God blow dis trumpet naw

apexquest:
Oh!

So it has nothing to do with the oil?

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

Oga, change the filter and gear oil. Ensure it rightly gauged and thank me ahead.

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.??

That probably means ur gear oil is short or not circulating quick enough to get the gears working immediately as should so u engage drive but it feels like in neutral for some seconds.

It happened to my car before when I replaced the brain box...I was worried at first but after few weeks it corrected itself

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

U people should stop downplaying people that need suggestions here... Do you know that even Google directs people to nairaland?

So many people may have had such experience and solved it by themselves and can now give suggestions instead of taking it to mechanics who may use it the car to learn what he dosnt know Abt... Or charge exorbitant prices...
Ake una dey easy o

Don't confuse yourself here op. Too many different answers. If you have a good mechanic, just take your vehicle to his workshop to sort out the problem.. some ppl use AI to give you answers.. what you need is someone with good experience to tackle this problem, not AI answers.

Low transmission fluid.

Plan to also change the filter. These are the two most likely causes.

Funny but true sir. I experience the same in my corolla 10 few years back too, i normally start the car before taking my bath, so it will be able to engage in D once I just get there. Reverse works instantly but that D wont work until the engine runs for 5 to 10 minutes. Spent 50k in 2022 to fix that.

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.

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.??

Candid advice: replace it with a good used one from a honest used car engine dealer at ladipo. Don't attempt to repair because you will waste money doing repairs and still buy another one.

You are welcome

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

Ryan Automotive Limited, the above submission is from ChatGPT, and if applied it will not still fix your vehicle. The best solution is to replace the drive 1 seal with original one

This is big boy's shit
Low level people cannot relate

It's solenoid

Greencloud:
ChatGpt already visited this page. So I'm out

just the comment i was expecting someone to make...
but its a helpful comment thou

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.??

Transmission issues, meet a mechanic ASAP

The transmission fluid may need to be flushed and changed. I had a similar problem on a. Camry in the past. Before i realized the problem was the transmission fluid, the transmission had given up and i had to buy a whole new transmission which is more expensive. So its best to change the transmission fluid now before it gets worse. A good mechanic can guide you on that.

🤣 Gentle and deep response.

apexquest:
But na car talk section be this nah.


Sir, Wetin you find come here?

It should be fuel pump issue. Mine had the same issue hesitates or switches off in the morning or when the car has cooled down completely but stops when the car has warmed up well , I changed the fuel pump it didn't work till I change the whole fuel pump housing and it stopped. Though my car is Honda accord. Every mechanic will be telling you different stories

Gear Oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gear Oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gear Oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and 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.??

The same thing happened to mine (although I don't drive any Japanese cars) but it's been solved.

First I ran from pillar to post thinking it was the transmission issue but I was wrong. The issue was solved by my electrician under my engine in less than 30mins. What he touched, I don't know but it worked. He refused to tell me.

But to be sure other vital parts are okay, first u might check the following:
1. Gear Oil level and top it if it is low. Pls never use that cheap red oil mechanics buy. Use a Toyota Oil that is ment for ur car.
2. Check for seals in ur bottom plate and replace them if bad. It's located by ur driver's left front tire. Tilt/turn ur wheel to ur left to see leakages if the seals are bad.
3. Scan to check for faults concerning ur airflow meter and change if bad.
4. Check for failing fuel pump and replace.

These would help but if they don't, and u need the electricians number, I can send it to u. But I know he will ask u to send him money before he tells u what to do. The choice is urs. Have a great one!

Note: Do not attempt to listen to a mechanic who will tell u it's a transmission issue because it's not. If u noticed, it changes just fine after it moves...a bad transmission won't even flinch. They will make u spend a whole lot of money and will turn u to their money bag. Follow my steps and u will be fine.

I cum in peace!!!

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.??

It’s your gear oil man, it’s either short or it’s not getting to the gear. Quickly work on it
When it worsen, it will not only be doing it every morning but a each time you park it for long

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.??

Does the "R" work immediately? My car does the same thing but R works immediately, no jerking and when I raise the car, it engages immediately. 2006 Toyota Corolla

Change your windshield

Where is your workshop?

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