its been cold lately up here and im starting to notice a funky sensation in first gear were the car doesn't always quite go like it should. As it warms up (not engine temp) seems to not happen at all and intermittent when cold. I know the cold makes my tranny act up but im scared first might be going. nothing is different under normal driving only noticable when i try to give it the beans. if this is a major warning sign let me know.

(Also be aware car has gangster lean due to bad rear struts and lack of pressure on front end may be a factor in the cold. also as a new radiator and is in need of oil change at 3k on oil now)

 

You should definitely fix you suspension issues (as a heavy lean is not good on the car, I'm sure doesn't help the trans either).

Not sure if your gen Monte uses a 4T65, but in the N-Bodies (Grand Ams), I've heard the 4T60 once in a while has trans issues with the cold due to issues with the fluid. I learned this when my step-mom's 2000 Grand Am had that issue many years ago, cold days and it just had some issues until it warmed up. Dad took it to a reputable trans shop and they said it doesn't need a rebuild, it needed a fluid filter change. The car had less then 100K miles on it, they actually flushed the trans fluid out. Ever since, it was fine.

I recommend against a flush on a older/higher miles trans. But, doing a pan drop fluid/filter change would probably be your best bet to start with.

 

it had a flush and fluid change 2 years 23k mi ago i know it acts weird in the cold but this is kind of new. when i got the car Paul said the transmission was slipping alot and seemed weak but it strengthened after a flush and some good miles. remember original tranny 176k and sat still in a yard for 5 years honestly an impressive feat. do you thinks its just in need of new fluid again soon. Paul always says he surprised at how resilient it is as a vehicle and was impressed at how easily it came back to life and has bought some other mistreated w-bodys because of mine. aka the grand prix my mom drove a GTP he's fixing up now.

 

Would be the 4t60, not sure how you drive. But if I don't come to a total complete stop mine doesn't like to shift down into first and starts me off in 2nd so it seems more sluggish.

 

You mentioned you had a "flush" about 2 years ago.... But what about a filter change??? If the filter has not been changed, seeing as it survived a flush two years ago, I would pan drop it and do a fluid/filter change (not a flush).

 

Mine does that as well when in OD but not in D its different it almost feels like 1st isn't fully engaging. if it persists i will have Paul drive it and check it out when i get an oil change in a month