If your vehicle shakes and smells like gas then you have problems other than low Transmission Fluid. Shaking and fuel smell indicates that all of the fuel is not being burned properly, and the engine is not operating as it should be.
when it smells like an old used tampoon
it's a sweet smell, but it's a nasty smell. it smells like burning coffee and antifreeze. sounds weird but that's pretty much what it smells like
STARTING FLUID SMELLS LIKE ETHER
There is no adjustment for that type of transmission. How many miles is on the trans, and does the fluid look dark and smells like burnt rags it's toast.
A leak, probably in the line near the transmission.
It sounds like the 99 Grand Prix has slippage in the reverse band, or a stopped fluid path. Changing the transmission fluid and filter could help, if not then the transmission needs to be checked by a transmission since the band is inside of it.
Transmission fluid will do work for your clutch my friend no worries here.
If you feel like replacing a transmission soon, sure. Otherwise, no.
You need the machine that pumps new transmission fluid in and the old transmission fluid out like a shop or Ford dealer has
Next time, add some more detail to your question, but FIRST, check your tranny fluid level. When the transmission fluid level is low, your vehicle will start to act REAL funky and make weird noises and your question may hint at low fluid level. If it's not that, take a close look at what the fluid looks like and smells like. And then schedule for an appointment with a trusted mechanic to check out your transmission looked at. Maybe, you just need band adjustment or fluid replaced because it's old fluid and worn out.
sorry but it sounds like your tranny is slipping. means a rebuild or a new one. you could try changing the fluid and filter sometimes it will help if the filter is clogged up but its unlikely
Check the fluid. If it smells burnt, bad news. If not, change the fluid and filter. Otherwise could be something on the tranny like a shift solenoid etc. If 96 and newer, scan for codes. Most parts stores do it free.