Terry Clapp

My 2002 is infrequently reluctant to shift into 3rd or higher when in Drive. I have found that if I stop, shift into Park, turn it off, then back on the problem goes away. It only does this occasionally and only initially after starting the truck. Once I turn it off and back on the problem goes away at least for the duration of that trip. It happened this morning on the way to work. The last time it had done this was about a month ago. My friend who is a mechanic suggested it is a computer glitch. Has anyone else encountered this issue?

BarryG

While this may not be your problem I just got done dealing with some shifting issues. First it wouldn't shift into third then it wouldn't shift into second unless the "conditions were just right ie I was accelerating very slowly and let off the accelerator pedal at the right time then it would shift into second and the same going into third. Once in third it would go into overdrive. Turned out to be my governor solenoid and sensor/transducer.

Stamey

A quick thing you can check is the speed sensor in the transmission. I have had problems getting my 96 and 99 to shift when there was metal build up on the sensor (it's a magnet).

Chris

AlpineRAM

Terry- to me it sounds like you get your tranny into limp mode, this is usually caused by an overpressure in the governor pressure circuit.
In limp mode it may also start out in 2nd gear.
The pressure spikes that cause it can also be caused by cold fluid, especially if the fluid is old.
Naturally it can also be the pressure sensor, the best way to check it is with a manometer on the governor pressure test port and with a DC computer to read the values from the PCM in real time.

HTH

Terry Clapp

This gave me some great ideas to think about. My 89 which is a hobby has a few issues but I will save those for a later date!