Hey guys, my 96 XJ Auto (220k mi) is shifting funny.. Please Help!!

First, when I get her started (from cold), she is sluggish off the line. The first 3 or 4 of the early gear changes are EXTREMELY delayed.. Either it will hard shift if I keep my foot on the gas or sometimes I'll have to throw the RPM's almost to red line and pull off to get it to shift. It usually settles after about 10 minutes of shifting and starts working mostly as normal. I am also getting a higher end 'whizzing' sound with the throttle (or could this be rpm?) coming from the underside of the car. It sounds almost like a vacuum leak, but isn't necessarily a consistent buzz.

Also, she has some trouble holding a particular gear when cruising HWY.. I'll be driving 45/55ish and all of a sudden she will start having jolt like spasms.

Fluid levels are OK, color isn't the best (slightly more brown than red). Was just changed about 8 months ago. (I was an idiot and didn't drop the pan that time, so I'm wondering if I left shavings in there maybe?)

Any ideas? Suggestions? Questions?

 

Your Torque Converter may be getting ready to throw a 7.

What ATF are you using?

Change it again, using Dexron III/Mercon (DEX/MERC). Drain oil pan/replenish/drive it about 15 miles/drain again/repeat 4 times.