Hi,
Thanks for the suggestions. I will replace the filter and fluid next week. I was hoping to get a few Ideas about what to look for before I drop the pan. It seems like I might want to drop the valve body while I'm in there.

Meanwhile, a couple of realizations. Several weeks ago, I rebuilt the power steering pump and had an almost complete lose of power situation which I was able to drive through. I took it home and stalled it on my up hill driveway. I killed the battery trying to restart it and finally had it pulled into my garage. I charged the battery and it started right up. At the time I wrote it off as a moister issue since I had washed the engine before the project. In retrospect, I think it was the very same issue.

Also, I have logged many successfull miles since to failure became permanent , buy taking off in "2" and replacing the shifter to "D" as soon as the first shift is required. Shifting is smooth, timely,and the car is responsive and will kickdown when when slowing or if the accelerator is depressed fully. (from 4th to 3rd only).

Espin