Cadillac Repair: 92 Cadillac Deville Transmission, cadillac deville, brownish color

Question
Hi,
I went to drive my Cadillac today and when I put it in drive it looks like the transmission is slipping, I put it in D.1.2 and push the gas pedal and it goes like 5 mph.
When I put in Reverse it works fine.
Does it meens my transmission is bad?

Answer
Hi Jim,

     Fluid color and smell can tell alot about an automatic transmission. First make sure that the fluid level is in the full zone. Adjust as needed. Since you put the shifter into L1 that gear position tells the trans to put out the maximum line pressure as well as using a band to provide the most power or torque. If the fluid is dark red or brownish color and smells burnt then I would say its time to replace the trans or sell the car as is. You're probably right about a slipping trans. Bill