I have a 2001 Vehicross that I bought in 2007. It was my daily driver up until 2013, then it became my winter car. I live in Chicago. So for the past 2 years I only drove it maybe 4 to 5 months out of the year.

I put it into storage around April of this year, 2015. For about a month before I put it in storage I notice the transmission slipping between second and third gear. I checked this forum and others about this. The common problem being low fluid levels. So like an idiot I stored it for the warmer months thinking a transmission flush and fluid refill would fix the problem. I prepped the car last week. Getting it out of storage and checking the normal mechanical, electrical, and fluid checks.

Today I was driving to my go-to shop to get the transmission fluid flushed and changed. About a block out of the driveway it wouldn't go into second and when I stop I would have to rev it up to 5,000-6,000 rpm's for several seconds to engage it into first gear. After another block the "check trans" light came on.

I barely made it back to my house and into the drive way before the car just shut itself down. I can turn the key to ACC to engage electronics and shift controls, but it cuts itself off when trying to turn the engine on. I have a few questions.

1. Do you think the starter is bad now?

2.Or is this some kind of safety feature in order to save the transmission from further damage?

3. Has anyone had these transmission problems too?

4. If so, how much did I it cost to fix?

As a heads up if it costs more than $1,500 to fix I'm scrapping my VehiCross. So if anyone wants to make an offer. I'm on the south side of Chicago in a town called Oak Lawn

Thanks for reading and any help you may be able to offer