97 Grand Prix Shifting and Other Problems

[c76man]

I have a 97 Grand Prix GT, automatic, 3.8L with 172K.

Today at a stop light I felt a little clunk, and then it would not engage in gear. I can sift the gear shifter through all of the gears, neutral works, but none of the gears will engage. Also, the engine will not rev above 2000 rpm.

Recently, it has been not wanting to shift up and downshifting during highway acceleration. I thought maybe the tranny was starting to slip a little, but the above problem seems maybe electrical?

Other symptoms (maybe unrelated, but if it is electrical then who knows):

Shift lock won't release out of park, have been using the shift release button on the side to get it out of park.

Occassionally the displays go funky and beeps a few time. This is intermittent and always goes away after a few seconds.

It's a relatively new battery and I've checked the cables.

Any thoughts. Thanks for any help.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Unfortunately I think that little clunk is going to cost you as you will probably need to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced. At 172K you have gotten your money's worth out of this one and unfortunately based on your description the trans is probably shot. When they fail to engage like this that usually means the trans is shot.

I have a GTP and the trans did the same thing yours did in a mall parking lot.
$2400 later I was back on the road again with a newly rebuilt transmission. I think you are about to suffer a similar fate. If you want to purchase a used tranny, Ed Morad, moradpartscompany.com can get you one for a reasonable price. Good Luck!!

[c76man]

Thanks for the reply. After thinking about it some more and talking to a few people, I agree. I guess it is decision time on whether to roll the dice with a used tranny, or let it go.