the transmission in my 89 GTA is acting odd. On first start up (like say sitting overnight), shifting into reverse is fine, no issues. But when I shift it into drive (or overdrive since that is the first one before drive) the trans will not shift into gear. Shifting it into first or lightly pressing the gas (tried that just recently) will get the car to go into drive. Afterwards the trans seems to shift fine. Smoothly, though sometimes when its is going through the gears, first will shift a little rough. It feels like it lurches. Though afterwards the rest is fine

Also any start up and shifts into drive after the car has warmed up go without problems. What could I be looking at? Car has 215k miles on it.

 

sometimes ,when the service has been neglected. this can be caused by a clogged filter.change the fluid and filter. add a bottle of "lucas" trans goo . that MAY solve your issues.

 

Okay I'll give it a shot.

 

yep, could be the forward clutch seals getting stiff, it delays until the pressure comes up, (or by shifting into 3rd, 2nd, or 1st, it then applies the overrun clutch to help the fwd clutch apply). once it does this it will work fine, and also as the fluid warms up, the seals soften a bit and work properly. I agree to try changing fluid ( and filter while you have the pan off). Make sure to open up the old filter and see if there are large piles of debris or not. If there are, I would be expecting the need for a trans overhaul in the future

 

I recommend "lucas" brand stop slip. it has worked for me in customers cars, and will buy you some time.

 

Alright I'll give that a try.