trans failure early warning signs....or is this one of them?

[ablebakercharlie]

2003 SLE. 133K.
Bought a year ago w 118K. Changed trans filter and fluid at that time (dropped pan, not a flush). Pan had normal layer of dust in it, no shavings or metal. Fluid was dark brown (like used motor oil). Dropped pan again last week, fluid also dark (was dark right after the first change -- not enough new stuff to change the color....). I did not change filter, almost no dust in pan. Fresh fluid put in.

Ongoing, very intermittent issue: loss of drive in 1st. Like the light changes and you push the gas, it revs up, and then bangs into gear. The bang is always a double bang. Happens once a month ish. Also can happen on a three point turn or out of a parking space when shifting from reverse -- slow engagement. Issue happens when warm, never noticed on a cold start. May happen then but not noticed....

fluid looks good right now; level is between the holes/in the crosshatched area.

Any thoughts, ideas? is it on the way out?

/Ed