odd transmission issue

[ihaveanaccount]

Hi,

My 1995 Aurora is behaving a little wacky. It often goes into a mode that makes driving unpleasant. Here are the symptoms:

Outside temperature display FLASHES the temperature.
Traction control light displays "traction off" regardless of the pressing the traction button.
Dash temperature gauge falls to the bottom peg.
shifting into drive or reverse makes a violent clunk.
Seems to be locked in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Center display flashed "CHANGE OIL NOW" and "CHANGE TRANSMISSION FLUID NOW", although the oil is new and the transmission fluid is clean and properly filled.
low-frequency whirring from engine bay

The check engine light does NOT come on.
Is this a solenoid or electrical failure? Can anyone help?
thanks
Jim