Does transmission struggle in cold weather?

I have a 2018 4Runner ORP and live in upstate New York. For the past week I noticed a noise while driving on highway at 40mph. It’s coming from underneath the car. It’s a sound similar to the one you have when you turn the engine on in a cold weather and just take off. It’s been very cold for the past 2 weeks (under 20 F). I though maybe the cold weather would be a reason. No sensors on, just that noise that sounds like driving right after a cold start. Any suggestions?

 

Cold weather can make lubricating fluids (even synthetics like your tranny fluid) less pliable for short times while they warm up. Assuming your transmission fluid level is normal and assuming the noise goes away after the tranny warms up (2-3 miles), it might be nothing.

It could also be something else. Brake pads for example.

Questions:
Does the noise quit after a couple miles?
How many miles are on your 18’ Runner (odometer)?
Have you applied your brakes while the truck is in motion and the noise is ongoing to see if that affects the noise?

 

Thanks much for your response!

Question 1: The noise is heard at 40 mph and less. I was driving on the freeway earlier with 80 mph and did not hear the noise. Then I reduced the speed at 40 mph and was able to hear the noise again. So, it looks like the noise does not quit after a couple miles.
Question 2: I have 130,000 miles on my 4Runner. The engine oil and transmission oil are good.
Question 3: I have not tried to apply the brakes while in motion to see if the noise is still ongoing. I will try it to see what happens.

 

In extremely cold weather, sometimes I do feel my transmission is dragging. But I do let my car heat before driving in extreme cold.
Put it in neutral while driving around 40 mph. See if the noise stays or goes away.

 

I wouldnt worry about it.

 

We were around 0-15 degrees for a good two weeks here in Louisville and I noticed that the truck (engine & transmission) drove better when not warming up the engine. Letting them warm up together on a slow drive out of the neighborhood seemed to keep everything happy.

 

Cold is not friendly, a little warm-up doesn't hurt, a few mins. anyhow. What are you going to do when it really gets cold? -22F without windchill here a while back, drove to a Doc. appt. 4Runner ran good! Hang in there... Spring is a-coming!

 

It`s a helicopter-like noise. It does not go away as I drive off...

 

-22 F?? My goodness! What state do you live in?

 

Don't have an answer for your specific issue. But I highly recommend warming up your car for a bit before driving, not for the motor but more for the transmission. Its been a world of difference in my 35+ years with transmissions.