97 cavalier tranny problem

Hello everyone

I have a 1997 2.2L Chevy Cavalier automatic. When shifted into reverse it is like it is in neutral, but if the engine is revved up it bangs into reverse. same with the forward gears. The fluid is a nice red, and the cable is working.
any ideas?

Sounds like the pump is probably going out. You can check the pressure, but it's probably going to have to go to a tranny shop unless you want to tackle it yourself.

Sounds like the pump is probably going out. You can check the pressure, but it's probably going to have to go to a tranny shop unless you want to tackle it yourself.

could the filter be plugged up?

Could be, but a plugged filter would typically cause low pressure all the time (which would make it slip once in gear), plus if the fluid's clean chances are the filter is too. It won't hurt anything to change it, so you may as well do it and see.

I was checking things over last night. I started checking the electrical connections. About 10pm I tugged slightly on the connector right next to the torque converter on the front (radiator) side and it kind of just fell out.
The outer clip on connector was ok, but the connector on the inside was extremely loose. I am going to tighten the connector, and replaced the O ring.
hopefully this will magically cure the problem.

Some additional info
There is no whining or other odd noises coming from the tyranny. A few days before this happened, my wife told me she had no reverse however forward worked fine. Of course I jumped in the car to see exactly what she meant ..... For me the car drove like it had any other time. Absolutely no problems what so ever