At some point (maybe soon) I would like to learn to service auto
transmissions. Have to leave for this weekend and for the past week
wvery now and the won't shift from 1st to 2nd. It left me stranded in
the middle of a busy intersection last saturday. So the feeling is that
as it shifts from first to second it seems not to engage in second, just
revs into the 3000 to 4000 range.  Get this, I turn the car off, lst it
set for ten seconds or so, the engine again and we're off. Sometimes
gingerly shifting into second and third sometimes back to the routine.

differencial level - ok
atf fluid level - ok
tried adjusting the 2nd gear band - not much difference

I'm thinking 2nd gear brake band piston or dirty filter?

All suggestions are welcome.

thanks,
joseph