Do you have the service manual download?

+1 on band adjustment (per FSM) and TV.

 

Hmm.. from the little bit you described sounds like a problem I had.

Here's my thread from last year: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nsmission.html

It turned out to be the forward gear band anchor, if that gets loose (from the bands not being tightened correctly) the anchor will fall out of place, causing this issue.

If you read that thread, you will see I had a awesome time trying to figure out what the heck was wrong, but I did manage to get it fixed.

The problem gets resolved on page 3 of my thread. Hope that helps. But as others have stated band adjustment is key hopefully the anchor is still there.

 

thanks Legend....i hope i don't have go back inside. I do have the service manual download...right now i'm taking a look at the TV cable adjustment. I'm trying to depress the button that releases the cable but I don't seem to be able to depress it. its the black plastic block with the ridges for finger grip...any ideas?

 

TV cable is ok. I adjusted the front band with the set screw on the outside of the transmission. I seems to shift smoother with better kickdown under full throttle, but it still wont shift out of first until 4000 RPM unless I let off the gas. All other shifts seem normal. Ughh, maybe a stuck valve.

 

Probably band anchor fell out. I had the same issue about a year ago. Good time to put a drain plug in that rascal also...

 

Mines doin' the same thing, I believe the bands we need to adjust are in the pan... :-(

 

Where can I get the service manual download please?

 

Here.

 

for anyone not familiar with the long running MonteC thread
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...info-only.html

details.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...transgo-s.html

parts list from MonteC and gdstock
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...nsmission.html

parts list from PATC Viper.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dodge.htm

 

going for a rebuild. trans guy drove it and showed me how 2nd gear wouldn't work by shifting manually. He took it aparty and sure enough. the band was worn down to the metal. Also clutches toast, and other issues. He said it looks like it was driven on low fluid at some point.