drivetrain problem?

[lamron]

every once in a while when i shift my auto tranny into gear from park, when i step on the gas the enige will respond but the power isnt translating to the tires. its like im in a sand pit and have no grip. the tires will skip while the rpms respond normally. im not sure what the problem is. it will do it about once a month and for a couple of minutes then drive normally again.

[b2089]

The tires skip? It takes alot of power to make the tires skip.Then the power is getting to the wheels. What do you mean by skip? Is it wheel hop like you'd have on a muscle car?

[lamron]

its really hard to describe, but ya the tires skip like they are locked and the power is trying to get through

[b2089]

If the wheels seem locked then perhaps the brakes are grabbing?

[lamron]

if the brakes are grabbing what are my options on getting it fixed

[b2089]

I'm over my head, I'd hoped someone else would have came in by now. It's time to see a mechanic unless someone here knows more than I do, which is limited.

[rixGAphx]

My *guess* is it's related to the tranny:
* Low on fluid; or,
* Weak battery/dirty cable connections.

* The torque converter won't transmit much power if the level falls too low. Day-to-day, prolly no noticeable effects.
But if you leave it set over a long weekend or such, enough fluid can drain down so that for a few minutes it slips.

* The tranny's first and third gears are operated by electric solenoids, not hydraulic servos as in years past.
If the battery is low on power (like after setting for a long weekend) or the terminals are loose/corroded/dirty, then there isn't enough power for that solenoid to grip as strongly as it needs to. Takes about 20 amps, same as the AC clutch.
Other dash lights, like ABS and ETS, start coming on when the available power drops very low.

You have a '99, so about 6 years old/90k miles?
* Time for a tranny filter and fluid change.
* Clean those battery terminals and cables shiny brite, BOTH ENDS, and tighten everything.
The corrosion can build unseen inside those molded rubber boots, so cut them off and replace with aftermarket slip-ons.
* You might need a new battery based on age, but your current symptoms don't so indicate (and this prolly isn't the original battery anyhow).

Good luck,
-Rick