What's wrong with my car?

Question

if i let it warm up for like 30 minuets, i can go in reverse. when i shift to drive it rolls in reverse. if i hold my foot on the brake while in drive, after a few minuets i feel the car shift (or something) and then it drives fine.
I know i need to take to mechanic, i'm just looking for thoughts on what could be the problem, so i don't get ripped off. and being female, i like to be prepared going into the garage, because i always get talked down to. any advice is appreciated. thanks

Answer 1

try a trans flush and fluid and filter change,if that doesn't fix it you could have some real problems

Answer 2

You need to check the transmission fluid levels yourself first. The transmission of most cars is accessable via a fluid dipstick with a red color.

STEP 1: Park your car on level ground and start the engine, leaving the gear in neutral or park. Wait for the engine to warm up. Unless your owner's manual directs otherwise, allow the engine to continue running throughout this procedure.
STEP 2: Find the ATF dipstick, located at the back of the engine. The ATF dipstick is often shorter than the engine oil dipstick but otherwise looks similar. If you're lucky, it will be labeled.
STEP 3: Pull on the dipstick and completely remove it. It may be very long.
STEP 4: Wipe the dipstick with a rag, replace it in the engine, push it all the way in and remove it again. Transmission fluids are red in color. If the fluid you wipe off is black, it's probably the oil dipstick.
STEP 5: Look at the dipstick's tip. Observe whether there are two different full markings: one for cold readings and one for warm readings. If so, read the one for 'Warm.' If the ATF does not come up to the line marked 'Full,' add ATF.
STEP 6: Add ATF (see Tips) into the hole that the dipstick came out of (yes, that little tiny hole). Use a funnel with a long, narrow neck. Add only a little at a time, and check the level with the dipstick after each time. It's easy to add ATF but fairly difficult to take it out if you add too much.
STEP 7: Put the dipstick all the way back in when you are done.

Answer 3

It sounds like the Transmision fluid is really low or the Transmission filter is Very Dirty.
I would recommend you get a transmission Service
Check the Trans fluid level and also smell the fluid on the DipStick. If it smells burnt, you definately need it changed. If it is Low, Add the appropriate type of fluid to get it up to the Full mark.

Answer 4

possibly needs a transmission flush and filter change...