Cadillac Catera Forum : “car doesnt move on drive until u floor it, why?”

Sounds like there is a problem with the transmission, possibly in the valve body.  Fluid is not actuating the proper valves at the right pressure, and is instead flowing past them until you reach a certain RPM and fluid pressure builds up enough to make them go.  Have transmission pressure and pump output checked by a dealership or mechanic you trust.  Also have the operation of the solenoids in the valve body checked as well.

I read in the Catera manual that the "s" means it is in "Sporting Mode" - to turn "sporting mode" on or off you have to hit that little button on the top of the shifter. It may or may not (mine does NOT) Have the "s" Printed on the shifter. But thats what that button is for- assuming you have it too. I have a 2000 - not a  '99

I've had that same problem. The S isnt for sport mode. There is an S for sport mode but this S is surrounded byy a spiky circle hmm?? I don't really know what the reason for it is but I do know that if you dont warm your car up, for at least two minutes, it does that ;). Well, at least it does for my car.