so this pass winter i put it in no.1 to go up a steep drive way,and just did it now to climb up on my ramps...but it doesnt really go (maybe it would if you really rev it up}...so i just put it in drive and no problem....so does this seem normal?...i dont plan on doing anything,because it runs and drives fine...just curious...thanks

 

Drive starts out in first gear. It's the same.

 

I wonder if it's possible if the linkage isn't quite tight anymore or you didn't move the gear shifter all the way that the selector may have said 1st on the display, but it was actually in 2nd? That would result in the behaviour you're describing.

 

that makes sense, its a floor shifter...not sure that would matter?....normally i would never use anything other than drive, dont think anyone really would?

 

The owners manual says a person might shift to 3rd gear when towing.

 

i did read the owners manual one time to figure out how to shut off that ridiculous auto door lock thingamabob...lol....i sure would like to see a few pages on how to dismantle that floor shift and remove the console...sure would make it easier next time to remove the dash...almost sure the new heater core is leaking...only smell it under heavy acceleration ?