Transmission Problems

[countbrass]

Ok here's the deal.

I bought an 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL (2.8l MPFI 6 Cylinder).

When I was driving it home I noticed a few things. (on the instrument panel the gears are labeled [P RN(OD)D21 with a space in between the P and R] now the thing is (P is park, the space is reverse, R is neutral, N is overdrive, OD is drive, D is second, 2 is first and I can't even get into 1).

Now am I correct in assuming that it is just out of allignment in the panel itself? And can I fix it?

The second thing is stranger and I can't for the life of me figure it out so here goes.

When I put it in OD (which I am assuming due to the alligment issue above is actually Drive) it shifts through first gear and second gear but when it shifts into third gear nothing engages and it just sounds like it shifts from second into neutral and the car loses all forward momentum and comes to a stop. If I let off the gas it just free wheels like neutral and I go nowhere. If I put it in park and start over the problem starts over also.

Now when i put it in D (allignment so actually Second) it runs great. It goes from 0 MPH to 60 MPH without any problems it just doesnt shift at all (which I am sure its not supposed to shift).

Now I can't drive it around in second all the time, I know that can't be good for the tranny.

So anyone who has any ideas at all let me know. Thanks.

[maxwedge]

Get the shift pointer repaired, then drive it again. Post back results.

[countbrass]

Getting the pointer repaired is not going to get the car into third. I can live with the pointer.

[countbrass]

Anything? Please.

[maxwedge]

If it starts in 1st, shifts to second and no third the unit has to come out, there is an internal problem. This again assumes the trans is actually in dr or o/d.