Cold until Warm… Auto transmission slips problem/question

[Sturdavj]

1990 Camry LE 4cyl, auto/OD

When I got the car a couple weeks ago the transmission was slipping. When I would first start off, when I placed it in gear and attempted to move, forward/reverse there was a slip …20sec before it engaged. This also happened when I would leave from a stop (light/sign), It would slip until (15-20sec…) it would engaged and then move through gears with no apparent problems, until next stop.

I adjusted the kick down cable and the problem went away. Now the slipping at first start up has returned, for the most part the starting / stopping while underway is working OK.

The fluid level is where it needs to be, but is dark so I plan to change filter & replace drained fluid, adding Lucas Trans medic at same time. Is there anything I should look for with the pan removed?

I picked up in one of the posts that this might be a possible pressure issue, and with the pan off be sure to check the ??? valve, I don’t remember the name and/or function of this valve? Sorry I went through

[zythr]

When you say dark, do you mean black? If so, that means the bands in the tranny are wearing, which means a rebuilt/new tranny.

[Sturdavj]

Finally had some time tonight to drain the transmission fluid and it is the color of graphite, black with silver/gray streaks…… which is probably not a good thing.

I'll go ahead and pull the pan, clean pan & replace filter, put in new fluid as well some Lucas trans treatment and see where it goes

[zythr]

Unfortunately sounds like you're going to need a new/used tranny.

[Sturdavj]

Yea, I had better start shopping...