Questions and Answers

Chevy Lumina APV No First AM Shift Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla, I have a Chevy Lumina APV, 3.8 liter V-6, automatic transaxle, ABS, P/S, P/B and approximately 110,000 miles. The problem I have is the automatic transaxle. When the engine is cold, you cannot shift into any gear. After moving the shift lever several times, the transmission will finally engage. Once engaged, no problems.

If the engine is allowed to warm up for about five minutes, the transmission will engage on the first try. This is not a cold weather problem, I live in west central Florida. I should note that on a rare occasion, the transmission did engage on the first try.

The fluid and fluid level are fine. The transmission has been serviced at the proper intervals. There are no noises, and the gears shift fine during driving. I would appreciate any info you might have concerning this problem.

In advance, thank you for your time and help.

Best regards,
John

A. The only way to tell what's going on is to leave it with a transmission specialist and have them install a pressure gauge and a scan tool on it, leave it sit overnight and see what happens on the first start of the morning. Sounds like it doesn't have any pressure or it has a problem building pressure at first or it could be electrical solenoid inside transmission.