Transmission will not shift out of low gear

Hi,

First, have you checked the condition and level of the transmission fluid? Also, have you checked to see if there are any codes stored in the computer?

If you haven't. start with the fluid condition/level. Here is a link that explains in general how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

I attached the directions specific to your vehicle below. Take a look through them and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

I just bought the car. The fluid level was okay, but it was muddy color didn't smell burnt. I replaced the filter and fluid I don't think it had been changed in quite awhile.

Did it appear like something may have mixed with it? The cooler is integral with the radiator and may have mixed with coolant.

Also, I don't know if you have already checked for codes, but it may be a good idea. There could be something related stored in the PCM. If you shift it manually from first to second and then drive, does it shift?

Let me know.

Joe

It doesn't shift manually either and the fluid was old, but it didn't appear to have anything else in it. The light is on. I'll run it for codes and see what the computer says. thank you for the help.

It was my 1-2 shifting solenoid, I replaced it shifting fine now. Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I thought for sure I was going to have to replace the transmission.

The vehicle won't shift out of low gear.

Hello,

Anytime there is a shifting issue, the first item you want to check is the transmission fluid. Low or contaminated fluid can prevent the transmission from shifting.
So, make sure the fluid is at the correct level and in good condition.

If the fluid is good, then the issue could be a number of internal transmission issues. Like faulty shift solenoids, bad pump that is not producing proper fluid pressure and preventing from the transmission to shift, etc.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Is your service engine light illuminated? Many times, with transmission issues the engine light will get triggered. If it is on the scanning and retrieving the codes can help with the diagnostics.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

The light is on, I'll run it for codes. Thank you for advice I really appreciate it.

It was my 1-2 shifting solenoid. I replaced it it's shifting fine now. thank you so much I thought I was going to have to replace the transmission.

Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear you got it fixed.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe