(AT) Takes aWHILE for "D" (3rd) to kick in

[t333]

1st is fine-2nd is fine_doesnt want to shift into 3rd...eventually it does, but I'm usually at the next STOP sign by then...pls help(Other than "Get a new tranny")!

[silicon212]

What sort of transmission is it? A TH350? 200? 700-R4? All of these are different and have different causes that could lead to the problem you're having.

A TH350 or 400 (all hydraulic automatic transmissions in general, actually) can have insufficient pressure applying the direct clutch leading to slippage (and imminent failure), such as a plugged filter etc. In the case of the two above, the problem can also be related to a failed vacuum modulator or a modulator that's not getting vacuum (plugged or broken line) and false modulator application due to low intake manifold vacuum - is your engine running on all cylinders? If not, this can cause shifting maladies on a vacuum-controlled transmission such as the TH250, 350 or 400. When it finally does shift into direct (3rd), does it do so forcefully, or is there a lot of slippage (extremely soft shift)?

A cable controlled transmission such as the TH200/C/4R, or TH700-R4/4L60, can have these problems if the TV cable is improperly adjusted. Again, is the 2-3 shift soft or hard?

In summary, it could be a simple adjustment is all that is necessary. Then again, it could mean your transmission has a fatal condition.

Check your fluid with the transmission warm and engine running, is it full? Foamy? Nice red, orangish, or brownish? Is there a lot of varnish on the dipstick (that gray sludgelike coating)?

It should be red. Orangish-red indicates high-mileage fluid that should be replaced. Brownish or black fluid is fluid that's been overheated. The presence of excessive varnish (a light coat is alright) could mean that you have worn, slipping clutches with material in the pan.