Quick question. I have a '08 Chevy Cobalt Lt with 256k miles on it. Transmission is original and is starting to shift hard into drive from park and when up shifting. Is there anything I can do? Or just drive it until it dies and get a Toyota.
Do the simplest thing first and check the transmission fluid level. Low fluid will cause rough shifts. Take note of the color as well. It should be dark red, not smelling burned or looking brown like wood varnish. Might change the filter as well, but I wouldn't change the fluid, see if that helps. Odds are the transmission's probably on the way out, but those are the basic things you can do. 256k is quite a ways on a Cobalt.
Your transmission is worn. Check your transmission fluid. You could add some more and see what happens. If you see that your transmission fluid is pink- then you may be ok for now. If it's brown or is black, then your transmission is going out and needs to be rebuilt.
DO NOT drain all of the fluid and put new fluid in when you do this.
I had to pull out one time and floor it. NJ you know how it can be. After that it started shifting smooth. Damned of I know why. Self healing car or something