99 escort transmis want shift

want shift out of first gear,A/T not sure of what it could be..Is there a elect shift switch or something?

Does your Speedometer work? If not it is the VSS (Vehicle speed sensor) on top of the tranny that needs to be replaced. I'm supposing that you already checked the fluid idling in park.

I think the tranny has solenoids that control the shifting from gear to gear. Not sure, since my Escorts are 2nd gen, your might be different.

my fluid is ok I'm going to check the vss. Would this set a code? this is a car I'm thinking of buying it belongs to a friend of mine . this just happend all of a sudden.

It should set a code if its the vehicle speed sensor. Your speedometer is working all right?

I have not been able to catch the owner at home to find out if the spedo is working , I hope to catch him some times this week.. When I find out I will post back. Thanks for your time.