Chevrolet: Chevy transmission, jenny, chevy

Question
Hello!  I'm having a problem with my '96 cavalier(automatic).  Last night it ws shifting really hard, and this morning it wouldn't go into reverse until I put it into drive first and when it did, it was REALLY rough. I turned it off and checked the fluid, which is sorta clear brown with some black. I don't want to drive it until I'm sure what's up.  Somehing tells me this ain't good.  Any ideas?

thank you, Jenny

Answer
HI Jenny,
        I would take the car right to a tranny place and have it serviced as if it is brown / black there is something wrong or it is just super dirty so you do not want something else to go with it as if you keep driving it like that it soon shall,so look and see where there is a place that has a special going on for a transmission and screen service OK. I would not drive it like that.
Good Luck 2_U
Roger