1990 Dodge Van transmission

Will it engage into 1st gear if you pull the lever all the way over? If so, you may need to adjust the shift linkage. If its a shifting while driving problem, then is the fluid level ok and when was the last time it was serviced? Good fluid should be pink and smell sweet. If it looks like coffee or darker, change it and the trans filter

Fluid is pink and correct level. It will shift smoothly into drive. Then it will not shift out of 2nd gear. This is while driving.

Sounds like you've got some sticking check balls in the valve body to me. I don't even work on those myself as there are so many little parts to get just right. That's why theres auto repair shops and then transmission shops are separate. However the valve body is easy to remove, so it shouldn't be an expensive fix

I really want to thank you for your time and effort. Sounds like a trip to local tranny shop. Thanks again.

Youre so very welcome! Good luck!