The Z24 has overdrive, the base models are 3 speed autos
If it was a manual trans it was a five speed. If it was an auot then it was a three speed with an electronic overdrive. So with the electronic overdrive it was a four speed trans but the overdrive failed frequently and was disabled by many owners.
Overdrive is the normally allowed position but it won't shift into overdrive until the speed is fast enough
in the axle
Start off and watch the tachometer. You start off in 1st gear so it you see if shift 3 times you have a 4 speed, and if it shifts 4 times you have a 5 speed. The RPMs will drop at every shift point. But you may have a 4 speed with overdrive. If so you will have a button to turn the overdrive off.
Answerthe vehicle speed sensor can cause this problem or it can be the thermostat.i had the same problem and it worked for me.
Overdrive allowed is the normal position - it actually won't shift into overdrive until the speed is higher
your clutch packs are cooked
Overdrive is the normally allowed position ( it won't shift into overdrive until the speed is fast enough )
The top speed is 108 mph
The trans is electronically shifted so the sensor being bad is a likely cause.
The speed sensor for a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier is located on the side of the transmission. It has two wires coming out of it.