Cadillac Repair: Can deiving with a loss of power (maybe from exhaust damage) damage tranny?, transmission damage, headliner material

Question
Can an exhaust problem cause a Cadillac 1988 Sedan de Ville to act like the transmission is acting up?  It's losing power all of a sudden, sometimes feels like the gears are jerking, and I am smelling exhaust. My son thinks that the exhaust problem could be causing my loss of power, and jerking. What I need to know is if this is correct, am I doing the transmission damage to drive it until I can get the exhaust fixed. Thanks much. Also how could I replace my inside roof liner in this model car? Is it difficult and do you know the best glue to use, and where to get replacement material?  Thanks!  Cherie

Answer
Hi Cherie, The headliner material and spray adhesive that we use we get from Auto Zone. I never had to change the headliner on your model car but they usually aren't too difficult. Some however are easier than others to get out of the car. All the door opening moldings, seatbelt bolts on the side, sunvisors, rear sail panels where the lights are need to be removed and then the headliner should drop down. Take your time and if things don't want to come apart then have a shop do it.
If an exhaust is partially plugged like a catalytic converter is melting down inside it can cause loss of power. Also a weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter will also. To check the trans remove the dipstick with the engine running in P and check the level and condition of the fluid. If it is orangy or brownish and smells burnt then the trans could be the reason for the jerking. When there is jerking it can cause damage to other parts of the car depending how long and severity of the jerking. Sounds like this problem needs to get evaluated at a shop and then you can decide if this is a repair you want to do or have the shop do. Bill