I just bought a 2002 Pontiac Firebird and im having problems with the transmission. Wanted to get you guys opinion before taking it to a shop. Its a v6 automatic at the moment. The problem is, it takes a little while to shift into 2nd gear when i driving down a side street at regular speed. Sometimes, when im driving it and it does this, if i hit the break a little and then press that gas again, it will shift right into 2nd, but the majority of the time..it will take a while. Im wondering do i need to get the tranny rebuilt, maybe a sensor or something...your help and opinion would be appreciated. Motor has 95, xxx original miles on it. No check engine lights or on or nothing.

 

This sounds like the band is slipping, indicating the trans is ready for a rebuild. Here are some similar threads:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...t-trouble.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-gear-all.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/automatic...-my-4l60e.html

Note that a few people had luck lengthening the servo pin with a welder, but at best that will only give you a little more time. It is also not trivial to remove/install the servo in your car.

I always recommend first hooking up a trans pressure gauge to make sure line pressure is correct. A trans shop can do this for you. They can also drop the pan and visually inspect the band as a small portion is then visible.