When I first start the car the shift light is not flashing. When I place shifter into drive, It engages very gradually and softly and never fully grabs hold like reverse does. If I drive very lightly on the throttle without allowing too much slippage it will gradually accelerate to about 20 or so where it changes into second. Once it does, it really doesnt gain any more speed. As fluid warms this worsens to the point that the car will not move forward at all, but will always go solidly into reverse. The light only begins to flash once I rev the engine up high enough so that the computer knows that the input and output RPM's are way out of tolerances. I have not tried to pull the codes out yet because I think the only one I will get is from the RPM difference. I did attempt to run the shfter from P to L about 20 times like others suggested but it had no effect. I have a feeling that either the clutches are severly worn or a band is slipping. Unfortunately I dont think there is a way to adjust the band on the car. Again if the fluid were causing this to slip, why is reverse engaging like a normal transmission should?

Thanks again
RW