Transmission problem
1992 Geo Storm 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 144000 miles
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I have a 92 Geo Storm. I am having a problem where when the car warms up, it seems to shift to a lower gear and almost right away the transmission acts like it is in neutral. No gears at all (forward or reverse.) I can turn the car off, and restart it almost immediately, and it is fine for a minute or so. If I wait for a 20 min to an hour, it runs fine until it warms up again - maybe 15 minutes.

It does not ever really act like it is slipping expect for sometimes a short period of time before the transmission acts like it is in neutral.

The fluid looks good. It looks like there may be slight leak from the pan gasket area. But the levels are correct. And the fluid never does look foamy or frothy when I check it.

Also, when the transmission is acting like it is in neutral, I can hear a whining noise that changes with the engine speed.

I have been told (but not yet by a professional) that it may be the torque converter or the oil pump. I am hoping it is not necessary to replace the transmission. But I was hoping to have at least a good idea what it may be before it goes to a shop.

Thanks