trailcarnage

I will have to try manual shift. I am not sure.

It has a spin-on filter. Could this be atributed to something being gummed up or an internal leak?

Last September, I purchased a 1999 30th anniversary edition Subaru Outback with 112,000 miles on it. Around 2,000 miles after purchase, I started to experience a sporadic issue with the transmission. When the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear it takes a long time (5-10 seconds) and feels as though it is slipping as the RPMs would wind high. I changed the fluid and filter grasping at an economic solution. This was no help. Now at 127,000miles, the condition is repeatable when the transmission is cold. If I let the car idle for several minutes before operation the problem seems to lessen. Other symptoms that I have noticed are that if you accelerate hard when it is slipping the RPMs will wind higher and slam you back when the shift is finally completed. If you let off of the accelerator when the transmission is slipping, the shift time lessens and is smoother. I hope my explanation is clear enough. If not, please ask for specific clarification. Any thoughts or help on this one? Thanks, Tom