Trans help

[gnuwine_t]

I have a 95 NT with 140,000 miles on it.

PROBLEM #1 My problem starts as i get ready to leave. I put the car in reverse and back out the driveway and shift into D, and it will free rev, and pop into gear??? Then as I turn any corner, it free revs also, then pops into gear. I have been reading and can't figure out what it is..

PROBLEM #2 Sometimes when i start the car an take off drivin, the car will get up to 2nd gear and wouldn't shift to 3rd gear. I can pull up to the light, kill engine, restart the car, and shift 2nd, 3rd, etc.????

Does the auto tranny shift by oil pressure?? i read that on a post but didn't know for sure

I'm really confused and need help cause this is my DD and i don't want to get hit on the road in the process. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[EDM95]

My car is doing almost the same and I read it may be the torque converter.

 

[Grimey]

First, have you had the vehicle scanned for any diagnostic codes?

I will give some of my ideas as to what your problem may be but without actually diagnosing your car keep in mind that these are only suggestions.

Problem #2
This sounds like it could be either your input speed sensor or your output speed sensor on your transmission.
Your vehicle could also be in "limp" mode. Your transmission control module monitors different conditions and if it senses that something is wrong it will go into "limp" mode to attempt to protect the transmission from further damage. By you turning the car off and the on again, you are reseting the vehicle to its normal operating state, effectively removing it from "limp" mode.

Problem #1
Correcting your second problem may help with this additional problem but it also sounds like you may have some internal transmission damage, such as burnt clutches.

Three questions for you
1. Do you have the correct transmission fluid in the car?
2. Is your fluid level correct?
3. Does your fluid look very dark and smell burnt?

If any of these conditions are present then I would suggest that you have the transmission flushed and change the transmission filter while your at it. This may help or even completely correct your situation. If the problem also lies within your torque converter (TC) and if the transmission flush does not correct the situation then you will need to have the TC replaced which involves removing the transmission. If the transmission has to be removed then while it is out you should have a reputable shop or someone very knowledgeable inspect it for internal damage and rebuild it if necessary.

As far as your question on how an automatic transmission shifts here's a link that will explain in detail how an automatic transmission works. It's a really descriptive article that I think is worth reading.
HowStuffWorks "How Automatic Transmissions Work"

I hope this helps you in getting your car back to normal. Let me know if there's anything else you need. Good luck.