Welcome
. Post a "hello" post in the Calfornia Forum.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=CA
Fluid should be Mercon/DextronIII and the color should be clear red/pink.
Most issues with the CD4E tranny are due to dirty, wrong or low fluid (which ends up causing other problems later).
Is the Check Engine Light (CEL) on? If it is, get it scanned and post the codes. Even if it is not, get it scanned for intermittent or pending codes.
Is the "OD off" light flashing? If it is, get it scanned and post the codes.
Not sure about California but most Advance or Autozone will scan the CEL codes for free. If Advance or Autozone will not do it, may be good to invest in one (as the mechanics usually charge $75 per scan). I think those code readers/scanners run from $75 to $300 depending on what capabilities.
If the issues remain after the fluid change, and you want to try a last ditch effort before a tranny rebuild, try changing the Manual Lever Position Sensor ($50) and see if that helps.
ATFluid change($30).
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=992476&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31&fpart=1
MLPS issues and how to
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1236527&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
