91 944GLE (B234F motor-16V)
automatic transmission w/200k miles

Here's what happens:

Car drives about 5-10 minutes in the morning. Sometimes the transmission slips and the revs go up but the car isn't picking up speed. Then, the transmission slips 100%. All rev and no go. If you turn off the car and restart it, tranmission works again. But usually for less than 5-10 minutes. If you do this a few cycles, the transmission works for less and less time each cycle.

The car has the right amount of ATF and it looks fine. Any ideas on what's going on? Bad tranny? torque converter? electrical?


thanks,
Chris

I hate to ask obvious questions, but you have checked the fluid level with the engine running, right? Measurements at rest are not correct.
IT sounds like classic low fluid, but there could just as well be soemthing a lot more serious going on here. Try overfilling it just a little- half a quart or so. Also try doing a fluid flush as described very well in the FAQ- you don't need to get under the car or anything for this.
What does the fluid look like? Black? It should be translucent red. Another possible failure is that it could look like a milk shake- this means the radiator trans cooler failed and mixed coolant and ATF. This often kills a transmission as well as requiring a new radiator.

Hope it's not too serious- good luck!
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 230K, 88 744GLE- 220K, 82 245T-181K Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 231K, 87 244DL, 239K, 94 855GLT 189K