I think you'll find it also doesn't have normal power when you take off from a stop. That's because it's stuck in second gear, not first. Second gear is what it defaults to when the Transmission Computer detects a problem. There will also be a diagnostic fault code indicating the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis. If you listen to your ill-informed friend and replace the computer or disconnect the battery, that fault code will be erased and you'll lose that valuable information.
As a general rule, if you start the engine, shift into drive, it starts out in first gear, then shifts to second and stays there, or bangs back to second gear during or right after an up-shift or down-shift, it is due to slippage in a clutch pack. If it starts out in second gear right away, it is usually caused by an electrical problem or sensor problem.
Aug 17, 2013 at 8:20 AM
