1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Won't shift into gear unless warmed

1996 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
157,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SHARKSRIDE
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I am acquiring this vehicle soon. The owner told me that it will not shift into gear unless it is warmed up for about 20 minutes. She told me that even then, the button is hard to depress. It takes her both hands to depress the shifter button.

This sounds more to me like the shifter cable being crimped. But why after 20 minutes, it can be shifted, but roughly?

Also, how do I add transmission fluid to the proper level without a dipstick? I found the fill cap, but no dipstick.

Many thanks......
May 19, 2010 at 2:48 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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There is a plug on the side of the transmission used to check trans fluid level and to fill the trans.

What do you mean by not being able to shift without using both hands?
May 20, 2010 at 8:17 AM
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SHARKSRIDE
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The owner has told me that she has to use both thumbs to push the shift button in(not hands, sorry), and that she has to wait at least 20 minutes to be able to make the button work. Personally, I think that the problem is in the shifter handle, and it doesn't have anything to do with waiting 20 min. to shift.

Does that sound right to you, also? If she has to push that hard to make the button go in so she can shift the tranny, then the problem is in the shifter handle.
May 20, 2010 at 2:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I agree 100%.
May 20, 2010 at 10:41 PM