Oldsmobile/Buick: Transmission -- Overdrive problems, cutlass supreme, tranny problems

Question
Year --> 1994
MAKE --> Oldsmobile
Model --> Cutlass Supreme
Engine --> V6
Repair history --> Excellent.. No problems.

Problem Overdrive.
When the transmission is cold I can go 60 Mph and the overdrive will bring the tachometer to 2500 and it shifts smoothly.  But when it gets hot, it does not shift into overdrive automatically.  It stays at 3000 and when I go faster it does not click the overdrive at all it just increases the tach.     I was on a trip the other day and drove 2 hours and I noticed it happening. Stopped for Gas and started out and it was working fine for about 15 minutes then it stayed at that point.    When this happens, I also noticed if I lift off of the accelerator, the tach goes directly to 1000 and when I press the accellerator it jumps back up to the high RPMS abrubptly not smoothly.    Transmission fluid or filter has never been changed as far as I know.  Please advise.   I checked the fluid level and it was fine.

Answer
Hi Nathan,
Tranny problems are very difficult to diagnose. Unlike the old days, of the turbo 350's and 400's, you either knew you had fried a clucth band or the whole thing blew up or just wouldn't move. Today's electronic tranny's are of a different breed. Which means either elctronic components or worn parts. Either can cause the overdrive problems your experiencing. Reguardless, the repair can be expensive. If your car has high mileage, the likelyhood of, is around the corner. A total rebuild can run in the neighboorhood of $1,200-$1,900. You will need to hunt for a transmission shop that is reputable. There is the possibility the internals may not be damaged and the repair just electronic. Keep in mind that anytime problems in one area will eventually effect the other, so a total rebuild down the road is within sight. Some shops reguardless will take advantage and suck your bank account for as much as they can. There are so many variables that come into play and you need a shop that's honest on what the fix is, minor or major. However, if that overdrive gear has gone out, plan on a rebuild. I would have it looked at a.s.a.p. and drive the car only if you have to. The whole transmission may give up the ghost and leave you stranded. Hope this helps. Ray