It needs a transmission oil and filter change or a transmission additive to make the gears not stick so it shifts easier. Or could need both if its an older transmission. You can buy the additive at Walmart or any auto parts store.
if it is automatic thru tranny dip stick, SLOWLY
You can check the automatic transmission fluid on an Olds Alero by finding the check plug. It is located about half way down on the transmission. Loosen the plug and slowly pull it out.
Transmission fluid can be slowly added to the same place as the dipstick. Transmission diagrams can be found online, in web forums or in car repair books.
Drive 1 locks the automatic transmission into first gear (preventing an upshift). Very good to use when parked or stopped on a very steep slope and you need to move forward and do not want the transmission to shift. Drive 2 locks the automatic transmission into second gear. This is sometimes referred to as a "snow" drive position, as it causes the engine power to be applied to the wheels much more slowly (via converter slippage within the transmission) minimizing actual wheel-spin when accelerating from a stopped position.
One of the ways of stopping a car from spinning out is shifting the automatic transmission into a neutral one. The other way is by slowly lifting the foot from the accelerator.
Almost all automatic transmissions are filled and checked with the engine running and the transmission in Park. Be sure to let the car run for a while to warm up before checking. while filling, be sure to slowly shift the transmission through all the gears (while still sitting still, parking brake on) and recheck the level after shifting.
A clunking noise when shifting gears on a K1500 automatic transmission, might mean a problem with the drive axle or drive shaft. Check all U-Joints to make sure they are working properly.
find the dipstick labeled transmission. make sure it is not the engine dipstick. just look to see where it goes to to make sure. use a small funnel and pour it in slowly
When coolant and or water gets introduced to an automatic transmission. It can and will cause failure. The material "clutches and bands" use as friction are attached by a water soluble glue. The glue dissolves and the transmission will no longer go into gear. It may happen fast are slowly over time.
Automatic transmission fluid is added through the transmission dipstick tube which is located under the driver's seat. Release the driver's seat and open the engine access cover. The engine oil dipstick is also located here. Remove the Automatic transmission dipstick, use a funnel and add fluid slowly, a little at a time. Do not overfill. Make sure you use proper type of automatic transmission fluid. Make sure vehicle is on level surface and warmed up when checking. Also, refer to your owner's manual for proper procedure to check your transmission fluid. Engine may need to be running with transmission in park or neutral. Be sure to use your emergency brake. Automatic transmission fluid expands as it gets hot, so better to add a little than a lot.
If there isn't one on the transmission pan then it doesn't have one. You just take the bolts out of the edge of the pan and let one corner down slowly and drain it that way. There is an aftermarket drain plug availible.
water has a high which causes it to heat very slowly ?