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Hey guys! So heres my prob. My cars an Automatic and lately its been reving really high (depending on how fast i accelerate). If i accelerate slowly its fine, but if i step on the gas with the same pressure a normal driver would, it almost redlines before switching to the next gear. Later on instead of just reving super high it would either just rev super high, or do this thing where it felt like the engine was overvibrating, so much that i could feel it through the stearing wheel. Kinda like what ABS on ice feels like? like a BUMP BUMP BUMP. or like quick little stalls and massive vibration before it would switch to the next gear. I figured there must be somthing wrong with gear 1 (Me thinks the clutch is slipping? no idea). So what i am currently doing is instead of putting it on D4 like normal automatic drivers would. I put it on 2, and accelerate with 2, and then once it gets to what should be a proper shifting point (4000 rpms, 30 mph) i switch to D4 and let the automatic take over seeing as the problem described above doesnt happen on higher gears. The thing is everytime i stop the car like at a stop light, i bring it back to 2, and idle it like that. Can someone give me insight into if i should be doing that? possible ramifications on driving this way? or if i should put it in park, and then shift to 2, and then shift to D4. And also If skipping gear 1, and just driving from gear 2 is bad for my engine? AND what people think the above described noises and bumps in first gear may be?!!:S!!! any help would be awsome!! THANKS sorry im a poor collage student!!!!

My car has the following shift points. (P = Park, N = Neutral, R = Reverse, D4 = Automatic transmission for gears 1 - 4, D3 = Limits Transmission from gears 1-3, 2 = Puts car in gear 2.)

Thanks you guys rock!

 
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I would think there is need for professional attention. If you live in an area that has cold days (~zero fahrenheit) you would probably also experience a slow shift into first from park, the first time only when cold. After that, it's only a bit sluggish as you explain. When you catch it quick enough, it's an inexpensive job by a reputable shop. If that is not the case, I wouldn't know what to look for or suggest.

 
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You might want to start at checking the level of tranny fluid.. And while the dip stick is out look at the condition of the fluid. It might be that you just need more fluid or that the filter just needs replacing. might also be a vacuum issue. There is one thing that has already been said though that you should take note of " the need for professional attention". This way at least you know that someone can get a firsthand look, listen and feel of the problem.

 
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Sounds like a clutch slip to me too. Check your fluids first.