In recent weeks occasionally my Oldsmobile (255k, but Trany rebuilt at 108k) acts as if it is starting from a stopped posistion in 2nd gear....it does not feel like it is shifting into 1st gear when I come to a complete stop. There is no slipping, the fluid is red, at the right level, and does not smell burnt. Any ideas....valve, selenoid?? Trany shot? Expensive fix? Inexpensive fix? Worth it? Thanks for the ideas.

My first thought is torque converter stuck on. So could be a bad TCC solenoid, or valve. When you pull away, count the gears as it shifts.

I did think the same...it'* a relative inexpensive fix and easy to get to.......But I'm feeling no "chuggle" or engine stalling at a stop like I'm familiar with when it'* the TCC.

It is possible the 1-2 shift solenoid is dead and holding the trans in 2nd.

What is involved with replacing this? Does the entire Tranny need to be removed?

I'm not as familiar with your year and style, but should be lower the trans enough to get the side pan off. The solenoids should be right there.

If it is a 440-T4, there are no shift solenoids and if that is the case, check to see if you have a vacuum system that works properly. It could also be a stuck 1-2 shift valve. Trapped vacuum can cause a 2nd gear start, which was a common problem.

If it is a 4T60-E, a bad 1-2 solenoid will cause more than a 2nd gear start.

We need to figure out if your trans is a 440-T4 or a 4T60-E as that was about the time when they were transitioning transmissions.

Will it take off in 1st when you put the selector in 1?

Does it shift 2-3 and 3-4?

It is a '91 Regency with the 4T60-E. It shifts from 2-3 and 3-4 just fine. When I put it down in 1 ....it will occasionally kick back down into 1...but not all the time. I put some Lucas in it mid week and it appears to be functioning much better now.... I'll check the vacuum on it to make sure it'* working properly.

Does it shift properly if you start out in low?

If the Lucas helped, you may have a sticking 1-2 shift valve, but there must be something causing it to stick. Drop the pan to see if you can see anything abnormal.