My '99 3500 started acting up earlier this year, after start-up, drags 1st gear the 1st shift cycle everytime, once it shifts to 2nd it works fine until shut off, then when re-started it drags out again. Normally shifts to 2nd about 6-8 mph, couple times I went to 20 plus for a mile, another time I had to drive it several miles before it shifted, then it worked fine until shut down and re-started. It does seem to shift into OD later than it used to also, was 40 mph, now 45-50 mph and that does not change after the 1st gear change cycle.

 

I had the same problem with my 99. I ran it for a year like that then finaly it would not shift at all. After tearing it down found the band anchor pin broken luckily there was not to much damage and after replacing the band and the anchor it has been operating fine for the past 2 years.

 

I just torn mine down for a bad front band and I also had a broken 1-2 shift accumulator spring. It is the one in the VB.

 

Well, it was only the output speed sensor on the transmission, $16.99 at AutoZone. Actually, I robbed one off my wifes newer mini-van and put the AZ one on her van...Thanks for the replies.