Transmission trouble

[wyodan59]

Hello. I have a 1993 cutlas 4 speed automatic. The other day it started dropping out of gear but would drop back in with some revving. I did it from being stopped then it did it several times at highway speeds. The next morning it would not move. then went about 100 feet and stopped. sat in it for an hour waiting for a ride and tried to rev it up many times still would not go. I left it in the work parking lot several days. Took a car dolly out to get it and it drove on the dolly. also when I got it home it drove off the dolly.
I am wondering if this is a bad transmission or it there is some sort of an electric issue that could be doing this?
Thanks Dan

[jerryg2112]

I had a problem similar to yours once. There was a leak and the fluid was very low. Did you check your fluid level?

[Tech II]

Agree....that is the first thing you should check....

If full, but dark colored and smells burnt, looks like a major problem.....

[wyodan59]

I had just topped off the fluid several weeks ago. after checking level. It was as close as I could get it. It is quite dark now and does smell strong. Also I can't drive it long enough to go through the fluid level check ie can't get it hot. but cold the fluid level is 2 inches above the high level mark. It will go into gear after a 5 second wait then goes a bit then when I stop it will go into reverse then I stop and it will not go.
Thinking it is toast.

[jerryg2112]

What you said about it being 2 inches above the high mark doesn't sound right. Are you checking with the engine idling? There is a difference in the level between hot and cold but it's not that much.

[jinxyzboi]

These cars 91 thru 96 had TERRIBLE transmissions in them. I have been thru 3 in my 93 ragtop. If it was a hardtop I would have junked it years ago. Most problems with the 4T60 or 4T60E (4 speed ) starts with cold starts in the morning. You can shift to drive or reverse and nothing happens until the car warms up. Then while driving or making a turn it will suddenly "go away" Only suggestion I have until the inevitable (replacement) is to have the system flushed and sythetic fluid is always a plus for replacement fluid. Spendy trannys though. Just the kits run about 1100.00.