First, D2's do not have kick down cables, they have an ecu.
Did you ever verify that your Service Engine light is working?

 

Plug an OBDII scanner in.
Pull out codes.

Even if the light if OFF there can be PENDING codes.

Just do it.
No excuses.

 

I don't think the engine light is working properly - like i said i got the codes yesterday. It read a P1562, which means there was a battery supply problem to the transmission. So i guess it was driving in safe mode. No lights ever came on though. The bulbs are working because they come on when i first start it. I took it to an auto parts store - they told me the battery was "fully charged" but i noticed it was at about 12v. It's supposed to be between 13.6 and 14.4 so I bought a new battery and installed it. It's working perfectly now which is a huge relief! What a cheep fix. Thanks guys for the help!

 

start with clean and tight battery terminals and batt fully charged, or take battery for testing, if over 36 months just buy new one

 

Replace the battery.
No excuses.
Just DO it.
Walmart - about $100 will get you a decent battery.