1999 Chrysler Sebring won't get out of lower gears - speedm

Try to avoid 5,000 rpm. That will destroy most engines eventually. The dead speedometer is the clue that the input speed sensor or the output speed sensor are intermittently not working. That is a relatively inexpensive repair, but if you keep driving it like that, the sudden engagement when it does start working could do serious damage to the transmission, flex plate, or drive axles.

Second gear is the default it goes to when the transmission computer detects a problem. It's interesting that your transmission will eventually upshift, if I understand you correctly. Normally it will stay in second, neutral, reverse, or park until the ignition switch is cycled off and the engine is restarted.

Caradiodoc