Thread: Transmission Can Only Be Shifted Manually

So I am looking at buying a friends '99 GTP which has some issues. One day after he shifted from reverse to drive, it never engaged and he kept rolling backwards. He nows says that his car will only drive if you drive it like a manual: 1st to 2nd to 3rd on the shifter. What would cause this? It has 201xxx miles on it, and I understand that issues will occur after so many miles, but I'm looking at the best course of action here. I called AAMCO and they said maybe it's a solenoid, but I'm wondering if I should save the later expense and just get it rebuilt now?

Any ideas if it could be a solenoid, or is this a bigger problem?

Keep this in mind: he got a new truck and wants it out of his driveway so he told me $800 and it's mine. He also had a very good habit of keeping it maintained on time. All oil changes at 2,500 miles, supercharger just rebuilt about 40,000 ago, etc.

It's fully loaded and in great external condition (besides a hood that needs repainting. The clear coat is peeling IIRC.)

I figure, $800 plus a $1,400 rebuild is only $2,200 for a pretty sweet car. I'd hate to see this car go to the scrap yard. It runs beautifully, besides not being able to run like an automatic car.

Well, my friend hasn't drove it in a while and can't remember if 3rd or D works, but I think this is going to be the issue here.

Wont move in D or 3 only