1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Car stationary in Drive mode

1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
105,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SGOYAL
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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.
Aug 25, 2009 at 2:37 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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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?
Aug 25, 2009 at 1:34 PM
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SGOYAL
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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.
Oct 13, 2009 at 6:02 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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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.
Oct 13, 2009 at 12:28 PM
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