Mitsubishi: 94 3000gt sl Auto Transmission probs, clutch packs, cold engine

Question
Hi, I have a 94 3000gt auto.  Its been having problems with the trasmission.  2 different types the one kinda is getting better for some reason but the other is not.  the fluid was changed t-teck.  it has a slow leak, I know that, I keep an eye on the fluid.  all that said, it still has a problem shifting, especailly on a cold engine, It won't shift out of 1st gear in town at all cause I cant go 50 to get it to shif, which is what It usually takes to get it to shift.  It just sticks in first gear.  the other prob I have, is If I gun it at an intersection that is hard to pull out of, It really skips hard sometimes, really gives you a jolt.  can you give me any info on what to do, is it shot, or can it be fixed, and what kinda prices am I looking at. thank you very much Justin

Answer
Hi Justin,

One of the tough things about being a volunteer on this page is people have serious problems but want to be told something else. I hate bad news, but I'll give it to you straight. Long and short of it is your transmission has been ran low to many times and it is done. First, never change transmission fluid that has more than 30,000 miles on it. Varnish has developed after that milage and the transmission relies on the varnish to operate as well as it was. Besides, I have never seen a transmission last longer because someone changed their fluid every 20,000 miles or never have. Second, no matter how "close" an eye we keep on the level, people usually check it when it's already slipping which fries the clutch packs that make up the actual gears. That "skipping" you feel we call slipping. The jolt you feel is because the clutch packs get so smoking hot that they quickly expand in the clutch drum and whammo! you get a gear. Expect to pay in the area of $2500 or more depending on the damage that has been caused to the drums, planets and other various hard parts and electronics for an overhaul. Sorry, it is what it is. I wish there was something better for you on this one...