Help! Trans problem or electrical?!

[dstar13]

I have a 1989 non-turbo Supra automatic and today, after driving for about 25 minutes on the expressway, I got off on the exit ramp & stopped at a light. I put my foot to accelerate & the car didn't move. I had to push it to the side, I waited about 5 minutes, tried again & I was able to almost make it home. It happened again. I had a friend tow me back. After a few hours, I decided to try again. I started it up in the garage, waited about 1 minute, put it in reverse & I was able to drive out of the garage. Then I put it in drive to go back into the garage, & the car didn't move forward - I started to roll back. I shut it off again, waited 5 minutes, turned her on & was able to drive back into the garage. The trans fluid does not smell burnt & looks the normal red color. Someone told me that the filter might be dirty or that it might be an electrical problem. In the winter, after warming my car up for a good 5 minutes, it used to take about 10 blocks or so to go into 2nd gear - I felt like it didn't want to go. One time it died out on me & then was fine. Also, since I got it about 3 years ago, it's always seemed a bit jerky when changing gears. Then I had a problem where the engine light would come on & everything was fine. I checked all of the fluids & it was running fine, but just worrying me. Any idea what is wrong? Dirty trans filter? Electrical problem? Throttle positioning sensor? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! - Denise

[Jeeves]

Sounds like a transmission issue to me. I don't own an Auto so I'll be of limited use here, but if you put it in a gear (say 2/3) not just D, and you don't go anywhere... that seems to me it's a tranny issue.

[Doctor J]

If it does not move in D, select Low and see, if it moves. The symptoms you describe, are suggesting loss of line pressure. On GM 350 transmission this condition is caused by stuck open pressure control regulator valve. Someone needs to hook up a pressure gage to test the line pressure.