Thanks for the responses guys.

Eric400...I'm not the guy. I bought this car in NC with 126,000 miles. Records showed transmission servicing, but no failure/replacement.

If the suggested "simple" fixes don't remedy the problem, I'm at the point of putting in a used tranny. Although the car is solid, I don't think I can justify dropping $1200 - $1500+ into a car with 268,000 miles. I'm well aware of the chances I'm taking with a used part, but at least it will come with a warranty/return if it doesn't function properly.

Any other ideas are still welcome...