I have a '96 3.1L with an automatic transmission. I've had it since 2001, and it's been great. The other day on my way home, about 2 or 3 miles away from home I noticed that it was revving at around 5k instead of shifting somewhere between 3 or 4 (I had it in overdrive). I was going up a hill at the time, but for the rest of the drive (up and downhill) the car would shift fine to first, and second, but wouldn't go into third. I didn't try pushing it too far into the red, although I tried drive and overdrive, but it was really strange because that's never happened before. I've driven it twice since, and it's been fine both times. For the record, I'm quite sure I've never flushed the transmission fluid, but it may have been done before I got the car, or shortly afterward when I wasn't paying as much attention to maintenance and repairs (and my mom was paying for the repairs!). Any ideas, or advice?

Thanks everyone for your expertise,
Shane

 

The teeth are bad on one of them gears causing it not to change into 5th gear (pretty sure). Tru some lucas fluid in your tranny, it will help.