Automatic Gearbox Reversing Problem

[davidcann]

We own a 1995 Toyota Lucida Estima 2.2TDi which we've had for 5 years. Since the car was serviced recently, we have problems sometimes getting the car into reverse - particularly when the engine is hot. This issue seems to be very erratic and doesn't happen all the time, but occasionally has caused my wife (who is the main driver of the car) some problems getting out of places. Otherwise the car has been running well, although I don't think we're getting as much power as we did previously. We've spoken to a mechanic and he thinks it will cost hundreds, if not thousands to fix - something with the torque convertor.

[Old Bird]

Wait till it's hot and check the gearbox fluid. Should be a pinky red comour, and not smell burnt, or be like mine and be black...

Make sure the level is ok...as I said testing it when it is hot, cos if that's wrnong it will cause problems.

I would certainly check it before letting a garage that has just serviced it charge you hundreds to 'put something right'....

Ang x

[Father Ted]

Sounds like gear fluid level to me.

[mr mince]

I'd go with these 2 as the most likely causes, either old worn out transmission fluid or not enough of the stuff.

[JJ]

Also if your handy with the spanners take off the belly gaurds off (on the drivers side) and have a look for red oil as about now you will find rusted oil coolant pipes, as the gearbox has it own cooling system, (to test it you need to have the engine running and go through each gear 1 at a time then back to park) if you go low on oil it will stop you from driving it is to prevent you from ruining your £****.** box. it will take about 5Lt to do a basic replacement and about 15lt to do a proper replacement. Your garage should know what to do. And please don't fall for the "oh it an Import it cost loads!" no it dont it just the same as any autobox and if you want to say a secret just say "to fill it you do it through the dipstick"

[mr mince]

Originally Posted by JJ

no it dont it just the same as any autobox and if you want to say a secret just say "to fill it you do it through the dipstick"

True same as the others, seems to be basically the same setup as the Previa box as far as changing fluid goes so it can't be too much of a problem

[ClintJ]

If it goes into drive and drives fwd no probs then it could be that the cable that connects to the lever on the box is possibly out of adjustment.

Follow what the other guys have said and check the fluid.
Also have a look under the passenger side of the van near the gearbox.
You can see the cable comes down from the engine to the lever on the side of the box between the box and the fuel tank.
I havent tried but Im sure that it can be adjusted..

ClintJ