Driving around today and noticed that while accelerating from a stop i'll get to about 10mph then my rpm will raise to about 3 and it almost sounds as if im reving the engine but then the gear will catch. The problem seems to be from 1st gear to 2nd. After I hit that first bump its smooth sailing from there. Any advice on what it could be if its even a problem at all? Im praying I wont need a new transmission or anything like that.. is this normal for a 96 with 130k on it?

 

I assume this is an automatic -- you need your trannny serviced -- it is slipping.

 

is this something I could do myself, or will i need to pay a mechanic for it? Any idea on the price were talking? And can this wait or does it need to happen immediately?

 

does it thunk into gear or slip on into gear? it can be hard to diognos this without being there. if slipping as it goes into gear then you are most likely losing a band or clutch, if its thunkin or grabing when it goes in then its sounding like a tcc valve or maybe servo issue. tcc and servo is not as costly as doin the bands or clutch plates.

 

heres some sites if you want to do some research.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/
http://www.700r4l60e.com/
http://www.performabuilt.com/About2008.html

 

Based on your descriptions I see a rebuild/replacment trans in your near future.