Transmission delayed engagement at cold start

When you said "it wouldn't start" did it turn over (starter cranking the engine) or did it act like the battery was dead and wouldn't crank, even though all the dash lights lit up?

If it simply didn't crank over but then by you shifting it out of park, then back into park, may indicate a park/neutral switch problem.

It may have been something as simple as the shifter, when the vehicle was last parked, didn't fully engage the park/neutral switch into the park position. BUT by you moving the shifter out and back into park it engaged the switch.

Cold weather can do some strange things sometimes when it comes to mechanical devices. IF it acts up again, simply try the "trick" that worked the last time.

It may just be temperature related and may not give any more problems once the weather warms up.

Hope this helps.

The odometer cable must have come out from the transmission or is not turning.

I am assuming this happened suddenly. But things can be different if you were adjusting transmission timings or playing with dashboard electronics (new radio etc).

All automatic transmissions have a filter, which is located inside the transmission pan. To replace filter, you will need to remove the transmission pan. Before replacing pan be sure to remove any old gasket that may still be present on pan and the mount on transmission. Refill with proper type and amount of fluid...DO NOT OVERFILL

yes you need trans

Check that the pollen filter (especially that one cos it gets really clogged up) and any other associated filters, even the engine air filter. I would go for the pollen filter first though.

when was the last time you change the fuel filter.and check your coil. good luck

You need to have your transmission serviced. The fluid has gotten so thick in there that it builds up too much pressure and your transmission will either kick it out of gear or blow up. I'm glad it actually still works. Once the oil warms up it thins right out and it works no prob. Just service your tranny, and you'll be fine.

Hightower

This may be a solution:
I had a similar problem at the beginning of this winter.
My heater was blowing cold air.

My solution:
Heater Temperature control cable, about $10 from dealer
Install, about $70, at my local Firestone

sounds like his transmission just died. On most cars whan the transmission goes, components inside fail and the car quits moving. But on some vehicles the transmission literally self destructs and blows a hole through the transmission housing, leaving a puddle of transmission fluid like you described. I've seen it before on Chystler products but not Mitsubishis, but from what you've described it sounds the very same.