luckily, they thought the transmission was ok. i had them change the fluid & filter, but i am going to take it to a different place, and have them check the torque clutch converter switch. i would do it myself, but i don't have the luxury of time at the moment, so i have to rely on paying somebody else for their expertise.
we will see what happens. i bumped another thread that had a similar condition, so check that out & see if i am on the right track.