Transmission Problems, Need some advice.

[nfldriver]

I've posted on here before (About my rusted out sway bar) and got some feedback that really helped me, so I'm hoping everyone can give some advice again.

Recently I've had some transmission problems. Specifically: I'll start the car, but when I shift into Drive (Overdrive) or 3rd and give it gas, the car doesn't respond. It feels like the tranny just doesn't engage at all. After letting the car run for maybe 5-15 mns and periodically giving a little gas it eventually catches and I'm on my way, although sometimes it happens again once I stop and I have to give it a few seconds before it catches again. I ONLY experience problems when I'm trying to accelerate from a standstill, It always shifts fine once I'm at 20+ mph. After driving for another 20 mns or so all problems are gone and the car behaves perfectly normal, even after I come to a complete stop.


Some more details: (1999 Century, 130,000 miles)

• When the car is first started, I've found that if I get into 1st gear and give it some gas it catches a lot faster (faster than if I try to get it going while in Drive), then I shift to drive and I can accelerate normally up to higher speeds.
• After it works and I drive around for a while, I don't have issues again until the car hasn't been driven for over 10 hrs or so.
• I did have an ATF leak but it has been fixed. I've added some Lucas additive meant to "fix slips and condition seals etc." I had the pan dropped and the filter replaced. The ATF fluid doesn't smell burnt and the color looks good (After the pan drop and some fluid replacement).

It's been suggested to me that maybe my Torque Converter is bad, but I'm not sure about that because it seems like my car's symptoms don't match the symptoms I've seen listed for a faulty TC. Any suggestions or advice you guys could lend would be much appreciated.

 

[nfldriver]

Even if you have no knowledge of this exact problem, any tips involving transmission problems would be helpful!!.

I've heard people mention that they had their transmission re-built, which I'm guessing is expensive. I've also been told that it isn't very difficult to find a tranny in decent shape from a junk yard. Does anyone have any experience doing these things?

Thank you in advance for any advice/experience you can share.