Auto trans problem in 97 legacy.. HELP!

[Cruciform]

I'm having some problems with my 97 Outback, and was wondering if anyone out there can point me in the right direction-

Symptoms-

A) all of a sudden one day, the trans acted as though I had the accelerator to the floor all the time- i.e. hard 1-2 shift, very late 3-4 shifts, and became very sensitive to throttle input- the slightest touch on the gas and it would downshift. if I really baby the car, it will shift normally, but as soon as I push the accelerator more than 1/2 it goes into this mode, and doesn't return to normal until the car cools down (usually overnight)

I checked the TPS, and got normal readings, (voltage increasing as the throttle is opened.)

I guess my questions are-
A) what causes kickdown in the auto trans?
B) How do I read the codes for the TCM?

thanks!

[Huffer]

Sounds like the car is in permanent overdrive mode, usually only happens at WOT.

Have you tried resetting the car by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for about 30mins? (step on the brake pedal to discharge the circuits)

You might also want to consider any mechanical linkages and possibly any fluids (though that sounds unlikely).

[kirbyy]

check Transmission and Differiental fluid. You may be getting low... any new fluid spots? :P