When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have just switched out the Automatic transmission on my 96 Eddie Bauer (4.0). During the test drive I noticed it was not going to second gear. What did I do WRONG? It has 238,000 miles on it.
The 1st to 2nd shift is controlled internally by the transmission, with input from the vacuum modulator and kickdown cable. If it doesn't make the shift, the transmission is leaking internally and cannot build up the required pressure to make the shift. My guess is your old tranny was probably in better condition, rebuild it and put it back in, use the new one as a spare and rebuild it too.