Try what redricer said, then I've got something else for you to try. After talking with a buddy of mine, he said to disconnect one of the speed sensors (should be a sensor right above the solonoid pack right in front) This will throw the tranny into "limp" mode, and the tranny will manually shift from 1-2. If it does this, then you know something electrical is causing your problem. If it STILL starts in a higher gear, then it sounds like something internal is wrong.

Brian

Red 97 Eclipse GS (420a) MTX
Custom Garrett T3 Turbo system
Megasquirt w/52 lb/hr injectors & a Walbro 255
Kicker/Alpine Audio (3 amps, 2 subs)
90 Cav 2.2 TBI auto (winter) <- yeah, it's fast