Just got a 98 neon sport for Christmas from my parents. 900 dollar car, going to fix it up slowly because that is all we can afford. I have noticed that when I first start to drive it, it fights with me to shift into 3rd gear(auto) but probably about 5-10 mins of driving she shifts just fine. Thought it was due to the cold temps so this morning I let her idle for 15 mins before I went out and she still gave me troubles shifting for about 5 mins or so for 3rd gear. Anyone know what it could be? Tranny fluid doesn't smell burnt, but does need to be changed, probably going to do that and the filter sometime soon, but would that help my problem or is there another known problem? Any help is appreciated.
P.S. no neon bashers please, I have noticed them in other threads and would prefer not have to read any more of it. Thanks.

 

If you getting a fluid flush, and a new filter doesn't help it may just be a bad clutch pack causing the car to have a hard time getting into 3rd gear.