My automatic transmission won't grab first gear right away. When it does, the tranny shifts and drives fine. Park it and then try again and the transmission won't grab. Reved the engine a bit then it grabs. Replaced the AT filter (hadn't been done in a long time) added new fluid and still no joy. Your thoughts please

 

Transfer case range fork?

 

what year is your truck,what trans do you have,how many miles are on it and is it the original trans without a reman? what happens if you take off in manual 2? is the fluid level correct?

lets go pats!

 

It's a 1985 f-250 4x4, exact mileage unknown although I'm pretty sure it's over 150K. I believe that it's the original transmission with a shift kit put in but I have no other information. The symptom is the same in man 1 and 2. Fluid level was down but after I replaced the filter, I made sure the level was correct.The previous owner had only general information to give me about the rig. Should be a good game!

 

Assuming the transmission is a c6 and when you put the transmission into a fwd gear there is a delay before the clutch engages, it is likely the forward clutch seal. This usually happens when the transmission is cold, first start of the day. To repair would require rebuilding the transmission.