Thread: No 1st or 4th gear

I bought a 97 buick regal with the 3.8 and 4t65E transmission. From a stop, the car seems to be starting in 2nd gear, then shifting normally to 3rd and locking the converter as normal. The car never gets to 1st gear or 4th gear, but otherwise drives and runs normally, with no shuddering or odd feeling shift. Pulling the shift lever to 1st, it still holds 2nd gear. Park, nuetral and reverse all seem to work normally as well.

I've been searching online for any information I can find, but it doesn't seem to be a common problem. Can anyone help direct me towards the problem or some tests I can perform? I found in another thread that I can check the 'E pin' on the transmission connector for 12v, but which pin is E and how to do that?

Does it sound like a 1-2 solenoid problem, either with the solenoid or electrical system for it?

Trannyman95? You seem very very knowledgable, suggestions please?

I'm just trying to figure out what to do with the car...

If it is a solenoid problem, sounds like I have to drop the transmission which isn't fun! How quickly would the transmission burn up if I just drive it like this? It doesn't seem to slip or have other problems... just missing 2 gears.

thanks for your reply. It is throwing a CEL and I'll find out which one when I scan it tomorrow morning.

So what items can be left attached if I'm only dropping the transmission to access the cover? Still need to pull the axle out and pull the transmission away from the engine?

I pulled codes and the only code is P0753, which is that 1-2 solenoid. I think I'll just drive the car as it is for now. I don't think it'll cause any damage.
Soon as the weather is better, I'll look for an easy fix, incase it is a wiring problem.