[97Bird]

Welcome to the forum Runclan. 1. Have you changed the PCV valve lately? If not, I'd do that next. If you're driving up a steep grade then it's possible the rear main seal is letting oil get past it and into the bellhousing. Put the car on a lift or ramps and look at the bottom side of the car especially around the oil pan for oil. Remove the inspection cover on the bottom front of the bellhousing to see if any oil is in there. Check the bolts on the valve covers and oil pan to be sure they aren't loose.
2. Check the connections to the instrument panel- including the ground connection to be sure they are clean and tight. Have your battery and alternator/regulator tested. I take it you have already cleaned and tightened the pos and neg cables on the battery.
3. Does the light come on to say overdrive has been disabled when you press the button? There should be 12V at the switch when the key is in the Run position. A 5A fuse supplies power to the switch. Other then that, I can't help with the trans problem as I don't know enough about them to offer good advice to you!