My '95 recently started to have transmission problems. Initially, shifts were delayed when the car was cold but ran normally thereafter. More recently, the car would lurch when starting from rest as I engaged drive and reverse. I checked the fluid, it's the normal red color and at the proper level on the stick.

When checking the fluid level, I went through the gears at rest as recommended and noticed that the shift level would not go into "1" on the indicator..I could not get the lever to move past "2" on the selector.

Just last Saturday, I had the car about 40 miles from home and basically did not have top gear. I stopped for gas on the way and turned off the car...when I turned it back on, the car shifted normally. Now it sits in the driveway.

I'm wondering if this a transmission problem or a linkage or some archives I've read mention throttle body control adjustment. Since I can't get the selector into the "1" slot on the indicator, is this indicative of problem with the linkage adjustment? Is the tranny shot? Any expertise on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

It seems like I read something about scanning the transmissions for codes ??
have a transmission shop check the shift solenoird.
when you pull it all the way back does the car start in first ??
is the transmission slipping ? is that what you mean by lurching ? the transmissions in these cars are known for losing. 3 & 4 clutch packs

 

I can't get the shifter into first (1) as I stated. I just tried to start it in second (2), which is as far as it will go, and it would not start. By lurching, I mean that the shift into reverse or drive from park is very harsh and abrupt. I drove the car home without overdrive or so it felt to me. Since I can't get the shifter into first, I thought it possible that the linkage needs adjustment.