2004 chrysler sebring AT Trans prob

hmmm sounds like first gear is ruined inside the trans if your having to put it in second gear to start rolling may want to have your trans checked out by a mechanic

First check you're trans fluid if that doesn't work then you should get it to a trans specialist because running it high rpm's is not only rough on the engine but also could hurt the trans even more

I don't want to jump ahead with bad news, before
you have a trans shop road test & weigh in

But having owned a trans shop & worked on those year
chryslers in the 1990's

I think your going to be rebuilding it

It could be as simple as you don't have enough trans fluid. It could also be a shift actuator/solenoid. Have you checked the level of your trans fluid?

had same problem on 74crewcab the vacumn line was tee d into another giving low vacumn . when it did reach sufficent pressure the trans would shift but the engine rpm was very hjgh and result was it slammed the trans in gear. Inspect your vacumn hose from modulator to the intake manifold/carb itcould be leaking or some one may have rerouted by accident.it must have a vacum draw equal to manifold pressure to shift in time with the actual rpms of the engine hope this helps...that it shifts at all makes me thinnk the modulator valve is working --just the vacumn line(s) arenot draw full manifold pressure

I am going to assume you have the overdrive trans. This trans defualts to second gear if the trans computer detects there is a problem.

This problem can be anything from internal falure to sensors that are bad. You have to scan it for trans codes. It could be a simple input or output speed sensor. that is the easiest. however you have to start with the scan.

Most Advance and Autozone parts stores will scan for free.

Hope this helps and hope it is not internal.

if it has a kick down cable that could be the problem look for a cable running from throttle to trans that can be adjusted in length

have not found the problem yet ---still looking --thanks

Check the gearbox filter, it may require replacing.
Its inside the gearbox below , remove the (gearbox)sump and you will notice it.

It sounds like it is in limp mode, this means that there is a transmission problem. The trans will go into limp mode to protect from further damage. You need to take it to a trans shop to have diagnostic test