Transmission won't shift from first without letting up on gas?

[Ramster96]

My '96 1500 Ram won't shift out of first gear without letting up on gas....then I believe it is going to third gear...almost like there is no 2nd gear. Going up a hill it will downshift like I am on a bucking horse!! If I start off and gradually keep giving gas engine will reeve up really high before it shifts out and does so with a real buck!! Not smooth at all!! Is there an adj that can be made?

 

[Sirriggs]

Curious, Has it gone into limp mode? Mine did so I have to replace the two ( I can't think of the names.Sorry) in the in the transmission. I would first try to adjust the kick down on the throttle body first. There are videos on this as well as the two sensors or what they are called in the pan area. I was told if your going to replace one, just do both at the same time because you don't know which one is acting up.

 

[scrounge]

I think you mean the solenoids inside of the transmission? Sometimes, these can be the culprits, but they're not cheap.

And yes, it reads like this adjustment needs to be made first:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdJ2LSemTXI

Be careful about removing the clip, you don't want to break it.