The problem I'm having is from a stand still, the transmission appears to be starting off in 3rd gear when in the "D" position. When the gear selector is placed in 1st gear position, the transmission starts off in 1st. When manually shifting to 2nd, it remains in 1st. When manually placing it in "D", it shifts from 1st to 3rd gear & at the appropriate speed, then continues to shift into 4th. When slowing, there is no apparent down shifting. Any thoughts?

 

sounds like the tranny is in limp home mode. but i cant remeber what causes it off the top of my head

 

I'd check the linkage, something might be loose.