shifting problem

[basic1996van]

I have a 96 caravan just a basic model only options is A/C. & cruise.
The problem is when I was driving and came to a stop I heard a chime (ding) and then the car would not shift out of first gear. When I get to about 25/30 mph let my foot off the gas shift to neutral and back to drive it goes to into 3rd gear and about 10 seconds later it shifts back to first. I have a 3.0 ltr with PRND21. I guess no o/d , It has 120k+ miles. I should mention that it has been sitting for about a year and been driving it for about 3weeks now. Any suggestion? or am I looking $1500 repair bill? Any help would be greatful and thank you. Garry

p.s. keys in ignition ding (1 time) I did just have the front rotors and pads replaced......sorry no auto mechanical skills at all.

[coalminer]

Originally Posted by basic1996van

I have a 96 caravan just a basic model only options is A/C. & cruise.
The problem is when I was driving and came to a stop I heard a chime (ding) and then the car would not shift out of first gear. When I get to about 25/30 mph let my foot off the gas shift to neutral and back to drive it goes to into 3rd gear and about 10 seconds later it shifts back to first. I have a 3.0 ltr with PRND21. I guess no o/d , It has 120k+ miles. I should mention that it has been sitting for about a year and been driving it for about 3weeks now. Any suggestion? or am I looking $1500 repair bill? Any help would be greatful and thank you. Garry

p.s. keys in ignition ding (1 time) I did just have the front rotors and pads replaced......sorry no auto mechanical skills at all.

There is one quick thing I can think of for you to check, on the 3.0 with the 3 speed transmission, there is a kick down rod that goes from the throttle body down to the transmission, make sure that rod moves freely, if it is stuck like the throttle is wide open, it might cause something like that.