Thread: 2000 GP GT won’t leave first...

I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix that will go into park, reverse and drive no problems. Once on the road, though, it won’t shift out of first gear. Linkage is fine I assume because it does cycle through all gears (I can hear it go into place) and I replaced the filter and fluid (the fluid was not low but smelled a bit of burned plastic) already to no avail. I don’t want to think the clutches are bad, because before it started doing this the car ran and shifted with no problem... What’s your take?

When you replaced the filter did you get the old o-ring out of the valve body before you installed the new filter? If not then the filter could be loose and not getting enough fluid into the trans. Also, when you refilled it, did you check it while it was fully hot, in park on a level surface? Does it whine at all or make other odd noises it did not before you changed it?

I did get the old o-ring out and it was in quite securely! I went through the original service procedure for checking fluid level. The transmission pump does have a bit of a whine but it always has... I assume I would have seen symptoms (hard shifting or otherwise) prior to the car refusing to shift out of first altogether...

Sorry bud if your fluid is burned that's no good. I had the same issue with my 2002 GTP replaced the trans no more problems best of luck to ya