Thread: 2000 GTP not shifting from second to third

I drove my wife's car last night and discovered that the problem she had told me about seems more serious than she indicated. The car will start out in first gear just fine and then shift to second, but remains in second-- it will not shift to third no matter how high the RPM's are.

I'm going outside this morning to verify the fluid levels are correct.

I do not know if it matters, but the button on the left side of the shifter (performance shifter button?) appears to have been broken inside the shifter housing----it just fell off into the floor 2 weeks ago.

Is there something I can do as a do-it-yourselfer to fix or at least further diagnose the problem?

My car's tranny has been having the exact same issue (along with many others) according to trannyman, it's either the third gear sprag or sprocket assembly which unfortunately requires a rebuild.

Mine's being rebuilt as we speak and I can't wait to get it back

I lost 4th gear in my GT and was running about 1000 rpms higher than normal on the highway. Only fix was a rebuild ~$2500.

It is in the shop as of yesterday afternoon. I'll update after I hear the estimate.

BTW-- The fluid was brown and smelled burnt.

If it hasn't done too much damage to the internals they can re-use some of the parts in a rebuild which would save you a little money. Unfortunately I waited too long and it all had to be replaced.

It's in the tranny shop today. I'll let you know the outcome.

Any idea about the button on the shifter?

Car was diagnosed with both 3rd and 4th gear out. For 4th gear, teeth on gear were completely shredded. Parts and labor total $1600.00. Should have it back tomorrow evening with a 12 month warranty.

Final price..... $1500.00 to rebuild transmission. The splines on the fourth gear shaft/gear mechanism were stripped. The mechanic said that this was probably out for some time before the problem with shifting to third became evident. He said that third was burned out. Anyway, if you're having this problem, plan to spend some bucks. If your car is in good shape, it will be worth it to repair.