1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Car stationary in Drive mode

SGOYAL

MEMBER
1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

The car has the problem only in winter and if the engine is not warmed up.

If I start the engine when it (the engine) is cold, put the transmission in Drive, and apply the brake for about a minute, the transmission acts as if it's in Neutral. The car is stationary in Drive until the engine warms up. The car can limp by aggressively applying gas but it will not voluntarily move until the engine is warmed up. If I don't have a reason to stop (green traffic light, for example) then the transmission behaves normally.

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

IS the fluid full? As the fluid warms it expands.

What is the service record of the transmission filter being changed?

Color of the fluid. Any smell to it?

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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 AT 8:34 PM

SGOYAL

MEMBER
5 POSTS

The trans fluid was changed at 97,000 miles. The car now has 105,000 miles. The car has had this problem for at least 5 years and the trans fluid change made no difference. I haven't been able to check the color of the fluid - I understand only a mechanic can check the fluid in this car. There is no untoward smell either.

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Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 1:02 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Yeah, the engineers of this beauty make it near impossible for the average joe to check the fluid without a lift. Hopefully the fluid and filter change was it's 2nd or third.

Since there was no difference with the filter change, I'll assume the fluid is okay and it was serviced regularly.

First thing is to have the codes read to find what transmission codes are present. I would expect them.
It gives a starting pont.

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Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 7:28 PM