I have a 99 Protege automatic 1.8 liter. It stays in 2nd all the time and can't be put in first with the selector lever. The overdrive off light flashes within a few minutes of driving. I understand this means a stored code for a transmission problem. Any ideas on how bad this could be? Thank you for your time.

 

Update: Shift solenoids D and E don't actuate but pass resistance test. Will sometimes shift from 1st to 2nd after starting but then stays in 2nd. If anyone has replaced these solenoids and knows of any difficulties, please advise. Thank you.

 

i had this problem a while ago with my 00 1.6and my suggestion is take it to a transmission shop ASAP i didnt do it as fast as i shouldve and i didnt even make it to the transmission place before the transmission just dropped itll probably be a little expensive but its better than 2900 to rebuild it