My 1999 full sise ram Van is 125,000 mi. old. Great truck my second new one -first being an 88. 318 equipped runs great,,,but things started to go strange
ABS light is on,,rear abs only on this truck, speedometer wont register under 50kph-30 mph, check engine is on, alternator will scream, alt is good, no low gear for 1 day now ok..is my puter lunched.

 

Not sure about the ABS, probably a sensor however, if the transmission is starting in 2nd gear and not shifting, it is in failsafe mode. This happens when the fluid pressures are not in the recommended range and the transmission automatically goes into failsafe mode so you can limp the vehicle into the shop. A filter and fluid change may solve the problem but it most likely will not. Sounds like it's time to reman your trans.

Sorry about the bad news!

Brian