I've a '91 Dodge Ram, 318 v8 and auto transmission w/overdrive. Lately, more and more, it's been reluctant to shift from 1st to 2nd and only doing so at an exceedingly high rpm. It won't come out of 2nd until over 30mph which makes town driving difficult. Although, this seems its only problem, it shifts fine beyond 1st and 2nd. All the while there is no slippage etc.. It concerns me that this is not only hard on the engine, gas consumption but ,very likely, the transmission itself.I'm looking for some advice.. Anyone know what might be causing this? Rather, how to correct it? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

The first thing to check is transmission fluid level. Then I would check the throttle rod adjustment.

 

I've got a 91 factory manual and it lists some possible causes for delayed shifts.

1. Low fluid level
2. Throttle linkage out of adjustment
3. Throttle linkage binding
4. Gearshift linkage out of adjustment
5. Fluid filter partially clogged
6. Air in fluid due to overfill condition or
air leakage into pump suction passages
7. Clutch or servo problem
8. Front band out of adjustment (may cause harsh 1-2 shift)

Should be able to check out quite a few of these and knock them off the list. Good Luck!