No reverse from the transmission can we fix it?

Tiny
ALFREDM8702
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA
I'm working on a 2009 Toyota corolla it has no reverse neutral is in a drive gear even park wants to go all connections are fine and there are no codes just the reverse blinks
Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 1:43 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The blinking indicates a code for an issue. We need that code to help you but it sounds like something is wrong internally.

Roy
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 1:44 AM
Tiny
ALFREDM8702
  • MEMBER
  • 109 POSTS
There is no code even with a snap on scanner transmission pulled up nothing
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 1:46 AM
Tiny
ALFREDM8702
  • MEMBER
  • 109 POSTS
Yea the previous car was crashed and the motor and Trans were fine but when I swapped then into another corolla that's when the issue started
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 1:49 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The powertrain may not be compatable. There is a lot more than just swinging in the motor and trans.

You may want to check with the dealer on this to get there input to see if it will even work

Roy
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
ALFREDM8702
  • MEMBER
  • 109 POSTS
Ok I'll let my boss know any chance it would work if I changed the transmission? The old one was fine
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 2:04 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, it should.

Roy
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012 AT 2:07 AM
Tiny
EPHRONE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
Recently my Toyota noah is giving me a problem with engaging the reverse gear. Please help me.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
Can you provide more information please? How does the vehicle drive once it is in reverse? Does it clunk when you shift into reverse? Does the shifter feel stiff at all? How are the other gears, etc.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EPHRONE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The shifter isn't stiff at all but when you engage the reverse gear it performs like it's in neutral. It doesn't even move a bit.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
If every other gear can be shifted into and operates correctly, it doesn't sound like a shifter issue but an internal mechanical issue with the transmission. Unfortunately you may need to rebuild the transmission or purchase a used/second-hand transmission and install it.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHGOWILDCARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,000 MILES
Hey guys.

About 5 days ago, I was driving home and my check engine light came on for about 3 minutes during the drive and then shut off. When I arrived home, after a 65 minute commute, I tried to parallel park but had almost no functioning reverse. The temperature outside had been about zero before I drove it. I was stuck. I pushed the car back into the spot. And had to leave it parked there for a few days around the holiday hoping to have it checked when I returned. This morning, I arrived home, and went to start up the car to make sure it would and my reverse was working again. I was able to back up and get in and out of a few parking spaces as I made my way to work. When I arrived at work 60 minutes later, I checked the reverse again and found it not working. I made arrangements to have the car serviced tomorrow. At lunch, I went out and to test the car out and the reverse worked again.

What is up with my transmission? Is it low oil? That is not registering on the dip stick? Is the reverse wheel not catching, or heating up and not engaging? Why does it work when the engine is cold, but not after it has been running for a while?

Thanks!
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The fact that it seems to stop working when it is hot points to the fluid as this is the main thing that changes when it gets hot.

Let's check and make sure the fluid is at the correct level.

Here are some guides on how to do this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHPkHP4m0SM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NmhYcl6cAo

Once we know the fluid is in good condition and the proper level we are going to need to check for codes. I suspect we have a code that will point us to what the issue is.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let us know what you find with this and we can go from there. Thanks
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEPHENLOIE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1996 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 240,000 MILES
Hi, the car sometimes has no reverse in the morning only or the engine is cold. Forward gears works fine. I already change filter and transmission fluid there is no effect. Sometimes it works fine in the morning. This problem occurs once or twice a week. Thanks
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
When it does not go into reverse can you check the reverse light because it sounds like the transmission range sensor is going out causing the transmission not to go into reverse.

Here is a guide to help you test it and the location for your car below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers,
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AMMOTROOP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thanks for the guides, but the problem was the reverse shift solenoid was going out I had it replaced for $240.00.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEBENTEDANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1987 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120 MILES
My car will go forward but will not go in reverse.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,607 POSTS
Hello,

Can you tell me if the reverse lights are working? if not I would change the neutral safety switch. here is a guide to help test and replace it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEBENTEDANNY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Reverse lights are working.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,607 POSTS
Okay, it sounds like the reverse band or clutches are burned up here is an exploded view so can see how they system works. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

As Ken stated before, it looks like you have the low/reverse clutch pack that has failed. There is a band as well for reverse.

I would suggest dropping the pan and looking for debris in the pan from the clutches. They will collect on the magnet.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Roy
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Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM

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