transmission - won't move when cold, P0742 code

2000 Intrigue 144,000 miles.

When you first start it up, the vehicle won't move in any gear. After a while of idling, it may start to drive, but the engine RPMs are way too high for the coresponding speed that you're driving. 4000 RPMs to hold 45 MPH.

Could this be the input piston? I've heard those wear and then don't seal well, bleeding off fluid pressure.

Torque converter?

Also, the one diagnostic code is P0742 - TCC stuck on. I realize that this could be unrelated to the vehicle not moving when cold.

Any suggestions?

I think you need to change the the transmission fluid and filter, now.

Thank you. I know my problem is something internal that has failed, though, and I'm trying to figure out the likely culprit(s).

History? What has been the maintenance of the vehicle?

This happen all of a sudden, or is this something that has progressively gotten worse?

Have you checked fluid level, color, and smell?

What are all the codes?

There is no doubt there is an internal problem, and I doubt there will be a simple solution....

It's coming out no matter what!

To answer your questions:

The history of the vehicle is unknown; I just purchased the vehicle. I'm going to be trying to rebuild the tranny and want to get an idea of the likely culprits ahead of time.

This happened over a period of less than a week... Where the RPMs would increase in order to keep the vehicle going. Another thing is that it occasionally dies while idling (probably the torque converter locking up and stalling the vehicle (P0742 code explains this).

The fluid is quite dark, though not brown, just dark red. I've seen ATF looking much worse. There is a slight burnt smell to it, but I've seen worse.

The only other trouble code is P0340 (camshaft sensor).