HELP! transmission issue
 

Ok, so first let me start with my vehicle. 2000 blazer LS 4 door 4x4. Automatic trans.
My issue: no first gear.
The story: I took a road trip and all was well on the 400 mile trip and the whole time there. As I was starting the drive home I noticed a lack of power off the line. After paying a little more attention, it occurred to me that I think first gear is not working and it's putting it into second to start (explaining the lack of initial power). So, after returning home and letting it sit overnight, I started it up and still no first gear. Then there was first gear. And just as fast as it came, it went away. It seems to come in and out, but mostly it stays out. So, I took it to AutoZone to see if it was throwing any new codes (my check engine light is on but it always is due to a gas cap code). They found no new codes. Now I'm at a loss. This is where you guys/gals come in...HELP!

Did you count the number of times it shifted? It should shift 3 times from start to a good cruising speed like 50. If it only shifts twice then you probably don't have first for some strange reason. It could be a bad solenoid. I'm no expert, it's just what I've read.

Shouldn't there be four gear changes since these transmissions have overdrive?

You start in 1st gear *shift* to 2nd *shift* to 3rd and *shift* to 4th/OD

Three;)

Ok, so on the drive home I took highway to get up to speed. Including the shift into overdrive at cruising speed, I count four gear changes. That would indicate that all gears are present and accounted for, if I understand correctly. Right? So, the question remains, why does it feel like I'm towing an anchor off the line until that first gear change? Ahhhhhhhh!

You are probably feeling the torque converter lock up at some point and counting that as a shift. The 4L60e is a 4 speed transmission. Fourth gear is like 0.696:1 and it IS overdrive. A 4 speed transmission can only shift 3 times...