My kid has a 93 88 with about 160K on it. A few months ago, it began this thing where you had to let it warm up to get into Fwd or Rev and move. Once it took off, shifted like butter. So, I took advice from here and tried Lucas trans treatment. Almost immediate results. But that only lasted a few weeks. So I urged my daughter to get a fluid/filter change. From what she told me the car took off from the shop perfectly. A couple days later, it wouldn't move no matter how warm it got. And as of now, it will go into gear if and when it wants to. Again, once its going, no slip/issues at all. I'm pretty illiterate about trannies, but I have never seen anything like this. I did a little research and someone pointed to the Pressure Solenoid?? I could really use input here.
THANKS!

I would pull the pan and inspect the filter and seal making sure it'* not sucking air. If that'* fine yes I would look at the pressure control solonoide. I had a 700r4 the bracket broke that held the solenoid and starved the trans of fluid and burnt a bunch of stuff up.

If the trans was starving of fluid, you would hear a screaching noise from the trans because of the pump starving of oil. Its a god awful noise.

Try disconnecting the trans electrical connector. This should put it in "limp home mode" but you will only get 3rd gear. This is will at least show that your pump is pumping fluid.

Did the shop that your daughter took her car to just do a pan drop and filter change or did they talk her into a transmission flush? With that many miles on the transmission if it was flushed who knows how much gunk was busted loose and is now causing havoc with the solenoids and in the valve body.

2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS

I wondered about the flush. Its so hard to ask her because well, she'* car dumb

If your not all that acquainted with these transmissions, I think it would be worthwhile to take it to a reputable shop that can diagnose/repair it better than what we could here.

Transmissions can't be repaired with magic in a bottle. If something is wrong internally, the side pan will more than likely have to come off and that requires dropping half the trans out the bottom.

On another note, its always recommended that if the fluid is still reddish and does not smell burnt, don't flush it out. Especially on a high mileage trans.

Agree with Mike.....

This is a 22 year old transmission.......the fact that it was better for awhile, with the Lucas treatment, sounds like hard seals/o-ring/whatever, have run their course......it'* an internal tear down......is the vehicle worth it?