Cadillac Repair: Delayed Transmission Engagement, cadillac deville, engine speed

Question
QUESTION: "Have an intermittent issue with delayed engagement of the AT on the 1992 Cadillac Deville.  When cold (as in first use of day) the transmission will not engage when placing selector into any gear.  If it warms up a bit (~60 seconds) first it engages just fine.  If you happen to be in gear and wait it will engage suddenly and be fine the entire day.  Recently changed fluid and filter and found no unusual wear debris in the pan.  The transmission itself shifts flawlessly with no slippage what so ever.  Suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you."


ANSWER: Did you have this problem BEFORE you changed the filter ?.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes the problem was existent before changing fluid and filter.

Answer
What you have is a transmission pump that is losing it's prime (fluid in the pump) when the engine shuts off. The only fix is to replace the pump.

However, I would just start the car and increase the engine speed slightly for 15 seconds and the release the gas peddle and then shift it into gear and be on your way. Much cheaper than replacing the pump.