I was just curious if other TL owners in cold climates have noticed this. On slightly colder days like today (Toronto) temperature was -5 celcius this morning. I back out of the driveway and when I shift it into drive and apply gas there is a slight hesitation like the car isn't in gear yet, and then after a split second it responds. For the first block or so I baby it as it feels as though more gas is being used with slower response rate. Then it is gone for the rest of the trip. I don't feel it is a serious issue, but was curious if I am one of a few experiencing this or is it the way the transmission deals with cold weather?

 

Every car I've ever driven feels a bit hesitant at first if it's been parked outside in cold weather. Shifts aren't as smooth until the car has warmed up a little bit. Usually that only takes half a mile to a mile in the sort of weather we have in the DC area (the -5C figure you quote is, for the most part, about as cold as it usually gets here), but in colder weather such as -30C it's sometimes taken somewhat longer. I try not to rev above about 3000 rpm until the temperature needle rises to its normaly range and the balkiness is gone.

 

Good advice! But everyone should be aware that although the coolant temp has reached the normal range, neither the engine oil nor the tranny fluid will have reached optimum temps until much later.

 

Is this auto? Yes that is normal and happens everymorning