Hi. I don't know why it would be 2nd gear. I had a problem with mine shutting off power, and thought it seemed it could be a problem with fuel. You won't believe this - I opened fuel (Diesel) filler, and there's a small drain hole just underneath it for rain water etc. I got a piece of copper wire, and ran it down through, removing the gradual build up of muck from over the years, and magic, the car now runs fine!
Mike.