4t60e 1993 3.1 Lumina No First Gear

[scmedia]

Hi,

     My baby has 232,000 miles on it and has been great.   A few months ago, it got the "morning sickness" where it would have to idle and warm up before pulling in either forward or reverse.   Once going, it would be fine in all gears.   The time for warm up would vary from none at all in summer to about 25 seconds on cold mornings.   A few weeks later, it would go into gear right away.   The problem was that it didn't seem to be first gear.   It seemed to start in second and at about the right speed go into third and od.   A few more weeks later while getting on the interstate it shifted into od but would drop back to third and back and forth.
The fluid level and color looks good.   It was recently scanned with no transmission codes showing.
     The engine is in great shape.   Are these symptoms familiar to anyone?  $1400 rebuild, junk it or miracle?

Thanks,
scmedia

[Transman]

Check to see if "second gear start" is switched on, some vehicles had this switch. It is under the dash, on the hush panel area left of the steering wheel. Easy to hit with your knee getting in or out of the car. Post back, Transman

[scmedia]

Thanks for the quick reply.   I'll check that tomorrow morning.   Something else I failed to mention about my car is that it is the Euro trim Lumina.

Regards,
scmedia

[scmedia]

Transman,

     I went outside just now to check for that switch but the only thing on the panel is the trunk release button.

Thanks again,
scmedia

[Transman]

I need to know if it is a 440T4 ot 4T60E, '93 was the first year for most GM to make the changeover. Connector to trans (how many wires), Throttle cable to trans? These will determing the next step. Does it have man 1? If you have an owner's manual look for a 2nd gear start switch, they were pretty creative in hiding it. Post back and we can make the next move in diagnosis. Transman
P.S. couldn't hurt to throw a bottle of "Lubegard" red in the trans, this will help free a sticking valve.