Transmission Problem 89 100

[David A Powell]

Identification Code is REH01029

This transmission came from a junk yard in January of 2001.  By now it has
about 134,000 miles on it.

Since February it has been reluctant to shift into 3rd gear until the
temperature comes up.  Once the engine and transmission are nice and warm it
operates normally.  What I'm hoping for is a "Been there Done That" and it
isn't too difficult answer to my questions.  So help if you can.

Questions:
Is this something that only a transmission repair shop should deal with?
If I could deal with it, any ideas what is wrong?
Am I hurting the transmission by driving it?  I usually just start it and
let it warm up before I start going down the road.


Thanks,
David Powell
State College, PA.

Confession:  I am hanging on to this car.  I hate buying new cars.  I know
this one really well.  I've put on most of its 255,000 miles myself.
Unfortunately, the Tranny is not its only problem.  It also has two torn
inner CV Joint Boots, the AC pump must be replaced, the Bilsteins I put on
in 2000 are shot, and the headliner is falling down.  So depending on the
money I may soon be paying for this tranny, it may be time to drive it to
the junk yard.