I have a 1997 SE automatic, and just yesterday when I put the pedal all the way down and got on it, the RPM's shot up but no go! It is like it was in Neutral, but it was in Drive. I tried it a few more times and it happens everytime now. I step on it all the way and the RPM's shoot up with no acceleration and it never shifts down. Starting to see it happen even at normal driving levels. Anyone had this happen before or have an idea of what it might be?

 

Perhaps your shift linkage is misadjusted or a shifter cable bushing is damaged. That might make the transmission think it was in Neutral even though it was in Drive. If these symptoms persist with the shifter in position 2, then the problem is probably inside the transmission.

There are several tests you can make with the fluid on the automatic transmission dipstick.

1) Level. It should be up to the full mark. If not, add as required.

2) Color. It should be bright red and translucent. A brown or black color is a sign of fluid degraded by excessive heat, and/or worn friction materials. A milky pink "Pepto Bismol" color is a sign of water contamination.

3) Odor. It should have a clean oily smell. A burned odor is a sign of fluid degraded by excessive heat.

4) Feel. Wipe the dipstick with your fingers and then rub your fingers together. It should be smooth and slippery. A "gritty" feeling is a sign of worn friction materials.

Sometimes the service life of a transmission can be extended by changing the fluid. Automatic transmission fluid is loaded with detergents, so new fluid can clean the insides of the transmission. If you decide to do this, find a shop that uses the Magic Sucker Pump which removes -all- of the old fluid. An ordinary drain-and-refill changes only about half of the fluid.

 

All good tips. I have it down at the transmission shop right now, hoping they find it. I would love to find out it justs needs new fluid. I am not sure when it was done last since I have only had it a little over a year. I have not done it myself, I know that.