Check for a stuck Kick down switch under the gas pedal by pushing on it with your hand. If it does not click it’s stuck. The Bowden cable could also be stuck or binding. Other possible causes are low governor pressure, a bad governor or worn bore. Checking the pressure with a gauge is the right way too diagnose any transmission problem



To command a 1st gear start there must be a differential between kick down and throttle (Bowden cable) pressures. From a stop floor the gas pedal to activate kick down, the transmission should start in 1ST.