1995 automatic transmission slips when downshifting

[jeter1955]

I have a 95 pontiac grand am GT and when in park or neutral when you rev it it makes a popping noise and then when stoping to downshift from 2nd to first it makes a big cluncking noise. Sometimes it wont even downshift and it will be in neutral the noise will start quiet then get really fierce. its like im almost jumping. My mechanic said the cluncking noise in park was because of a belt inside of the transmission slipping and the reason why it doesnt do it in drive is because there is tension on it. I would really like to know if these 2 things have anything in common.

also do you have any idea what speed that transmission is? model number?

[7ds-Hurricane]

95 Grand Am 3.1L
This isn't MY car, but, this goes for either up/down shifting. I'm thinking it's the transmission but the owner keeps trying to say it's something along the line of the spark plug/wires possible arching, etc. Anyway, it happens every time it shifts and only happens in the first 2 gears reguardless of how fast you're going. Doesn't do it in reverse, however. If you punch it, doesn't grind quite as bad. It's always grinding before it completely gets in gear, doesn't hesitate. I mean, that IS the transmission, isn't it? Any possible cures beside replacing transmission?

[ra11585643]

Pull the transmission dip stick and smell it. Does it smell like burnt fluid? Have you been preforming regular maintenance on the tranny,(fluid and filter changes), most people dont. You could try fluid and fiter first, it may be a cheap fix. If that dont work sounds like tranny shop for atleast an adjustment if not a replacement. Ill keep my fingers crossed for ya.

[ra11585643]

?????

[jeter1955]

I had a mechanic check out the problem and the said the tranny needs replacement. im gonna install it myself anyone have any tips on removal/installation. thanks for your help. also how do i tell if my car ever had a keyless remote. i think the guy i bought it off of lost it.

[Markgase2000]

Berfore you replace your tranny , check your fuses. Look on the fuse box diagram , find anything that says trans or auto trans , if a fuse is burned it will basically smash into gear and wont down shift properly. Just tryin to save you money and a tranny.