1998 tranny question=

1998 ,3.1 has about 165,000 miles. Never changed the transmission fluid.
Occasionally when I parked at a stop light when I get the green to go I give it gas and hear the engine rev but the car does not move. Usually I slip it down into regular "drive" and then all is ok. then put it back into overdrive later.
Is this one of the symptoms of a transmsssion that,s about to totally fail?

Is it full, is the fluid dark and burnt?

Sounds kinda like a valve body and/or solenoid failure coming.

If I got that kinda miles out of a trans without servicing it, I'd feel blessed.

If it's mine, I'm gonna do pan drop/filter replacement/one quart of Trans-X and see what happens. It'll either fix it or kill it off for good. :)

Anyone tries to tell you to get a full fluid exchange/flush tell them no thanks. Quickest way I've discovered to destroy a marginal transmission. Partial fluid change only, just what you get out of the pan. Reuse the OE gasket, way better than that POS they give you with the filter kit.

thanks guys.
it,ll be the fingers crossed method.
makes for exciting road trips .

maxwedge
yes. the level is good. i had this car since it had 44,000 miles and never put one drop of a/t fliud in it. it never leaks .
the a/t fliud is slightly discolored and it smells used.

Sounds like it may try to start in 3rd gear default or it is just slipping, get ready for some internal issues.