Hey guys, my automatic 1994 escort 2dr lx hatchback will only shift when I rev the engine really high. after that, it shifts fine (for the most part). I know nothing about cars but its like something needs to buildup with pressure, then it shifts normally. after the car is turned off, the problem starts over. so its almost like its fine until its restarted. like I said Im a total noob, but I have car friends so if you can tell me anythin that'd be great. thanks!

sounds like the converter in the transmission

is it an expensive part? is it hard to fix? thanks!

The first thing to do is check your transmission fluid level, make sure it's not burned or anything, if it smells like its burned then I would suggest changing the fluid, and possibly the filter.
Well, you have to pull the entire transmission out to change the torque converter. It might be the line pressure too, but I doubt it. You can get a used torque converter for a reasonable price, but if I spent all that time pulling the transmission, I would get it rebuilt too, because it could be something internal messed up.
But feel lucky, I'm on transmission number two and it just blew up the other day. So I have first and second, I can go a whole 45 MHP without over revving ;) :-P So at least yours DOES shift.
-Scott

thanks for the informative reply. My buddy who is a mechanic changed the transmission fluid and the filter and it did not help at all :( Unfortunately he does not know too much about transmissions.

DO you agree it could be the torque converter, although my friend does not know too much on transmissions, I asked him if he thought it was this and he didn't think so.

Furthermore, would getting it rebuilt be costly? Thanks