Pontiac transmission - Advice

[firefighter525]

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 3.1L auto transmission 95,000 miles. I've been having some issues with the transmission the past few morinings. I have to let the car warm up approx. 10 minutes before driving. I can put it in drive but it won't move untill it warms up. The motor just revs like its in neutral. Once it warms up it seems fine and goes into gear, shifts ok, etc.

The fluid level is fine, but it is really dirty. I was thinking of a fluid and filter change but have heard this could be the worst thing to do. I don't know the history of fluid changes on it as we haven't had it very long. I was told the dirty fluid may be the only thing keeping it going and if I were to put new fluid in, it may cause it to start slipping. How accurate is this?

So, I guess I'm looking for some advice on what to do. It is currently our DD as the ranger is down. So, basically for this car to not be driveable right now would be a very bad thing. All repairs would have to be made myself and it won't be going to a shop any time soon. With the economy, my budget simply doesn't have room for shop repair costs. Advice, opinions and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Psychopete]

If it's broke, it broke, fluid won't change that fact. They mainly say it's the machine flush that will cause the issue from what I've read, but I don't know how true that is. I heard the biggest problem was the "universial" fluid some places use for the flush. If it were me, I would do a "quick" flush. Simply drop the pan, clean the material from the bottom of the pan, change the filter, and add in the amount you drained with new fluid. FWIW, There will still be a lot of old fluid in the system if that is a consern.

Pete