Transmission's first and second gears not working

Just to be clear, when you put the vehicle in drive it has first and second gear but when you put it in manual 1 or 2 it doesn't move? If this is the case, either the shifter is out of adjustment and when the indicator shows 1 or 2 it is actually not in the proper position. However, this would most likely effect all selections and not just the manual gears. The more likely cause is the manual valve in the transmission s not directing the fluid to the proper channels in the valve body.

Lastly we need to check the fluid and make sure it is full and clean.

Let me know if this is what you are seeing and we can dig further into this. Thanks

Understood that it is an auto transmission but manual 1 or 2 is the number 1 or 2 on the gear selector. If you are putting it in 1 or 2 does it move or any forward position does not move until you get the engine speed higher?

If so, we need to check the fluid level and condition first and foremost. Next we need to check for codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Last if you are putting it in 1 or 2 I would not expect it to downshift so is this doing something different then it use to or did you happen to just buy this vehicle?

Okay. I think I understand now. If the vehicle takes off but is in 3rd all the time then it sounds like it is in limp mode. If that is the case we need to check for codes and see what is there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I suspect we should have some codes. If not then we have some internal transmission issues causing it to default to 3rd gear.

Okay. If you have codes, can you provide the specific code and we can figure this out? Thanks

I feared that would be the result but glad we at least got confirmation. Hopefully it lasts for a while but I would start making plans to either repair it or unload it.

Let us know if you need other info. Thanks for the update.

You are welcome. Feel free to update us after a while on how you are making out. Thanks for using 2CarPros.