cold transmission?

Hello! I am brand new, so bear with me please. I have a 1995 o/s.
I have been having this small problem since June. It hasn't gotten any better or worse. When the engine is cold, the car will not go into gear. I must warm it up for 3-5 minutes and put it in low for it to go into gear. A famous transmission place that starts with 2 vowels did a "valve body repair" but he said that didn't work and that my "transmission is shot". Those were his exact words. He wants $2,500 for a rebuild. Now I was born on a Tuesday, but not LAST Tuesday! How can it be shot when it works great if it's allowed to get warm first? So, can anyone give me good advice on this?
TIA
CALIfornia KATE

How many miles on the car, 100K+? I believe a new tranny is your answer. When the tranny oil is cold and thick, the old tranny pump can't move the oil to move your van, basically it leaks internally due to the build up of pressure. When is gets warmed up the oil can freely flow. I would get another opinion from another transmission place or wait until its doesn't move when it warms up.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the info. The car has 91,000 (ish) miles on it. So, are you saying the pump is bad? Can I just get a new pump?

The pump is internal to the tranny. You have to disassemble it so you might as well rebuild it.

It's kind of hard to diagnos tranny prob over a message board, but the symptoms you described are consistent with other people experiences that I have encountered with over the years. I have heard that these trannys are not the strongest ones out there. Typically the pump and the clutch discs are the wear-out items. To replace them is the same amount time and cost as it is just to get a rebuilt tranny. I would suggest getting different opinions from different shops along with quotes. $2500 sounds a bit high for a rebuilt transmission. An experienced mechanic can replace one in a few hours 3-4 max at $65/hr. I just Googled rebuilt transmissions for Olds Silouttes and I'm seeing prices in the $1,000 to $1500 range without labor.

Good Luck

More than likely the drive rings are worn out,,,they bring the oil to the clutches,,,when you shift to "low",,,,the pressure doubles over normal drive position,,,,,this allows the clutch to overcome the oil loss,, and thus apply!!!///////The other choice is a "quality used tranny" their
fairly common AND half priced!!! may want to talk to a garage instead of a tranny shop,,,see if they can save you some $$$$$$

calik...try this. When you start the car, shift all the way down to Low1. Does it engauge?

My 93 van has the cold transmission problem...but literally only when it is cold outside. I haven't had a problem since may, but all of the sudden it has started acting up again

Anyway, keep us updated on this problem

calik...try this. When you start the car, shift all the way down to Low1. Does it engauge? YES! That's it exactly. Okay, so here's what I think I'll do...NOTHING. At least until that won't work anymore, then I'll take all of your advice and get a rebuilt installed at a garage. Hope it wont be for a long time though. You guys are great!

calik....I'm gonna do the same thing. Hopefully my van will make it until next summer (when the symptoms don't exist) and I'm gonna sell sell sell!!!

I can't do the sell thing. I have the kind of luck where I do not get away with anything, (karma?). I learned-yes, the hard way-that I better not even try. I would have to disclose it. Unless....I sold it to a dealer? Nah, that wouldn't work. I'd still get it thrown back at me somehow. Ever so temping, though. I gotta admit it.