Added detail: the transmission shifts manually from first to second and drive as normal. But when put in drive it doesn't go into first gear when starting to move again.

I have a Mazda 1993, MX3, with the auto transmission. The transmission has the option of automatic shifting or manual shifting. The hold light is on dash is blinking and the transmission must be manually shifted to get it to function. Very intermittently
the hold light will go off and the transmission will shift automatically. We don't have a tool to read the diagonostic codes.
How can I find and repair this problem without purchasing a code reader or other expensive test equipment.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 5 2006 at 9:05 AM

Optional Information:
1993 Mazda mx3 1.6 liter

Already Tried:
looking for bad connections or broken wires, checked fuses,