Transmission not shifting properly after replacing engine

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Since you replaced the engine, I feel confident that you checked the basics such as fluid level, fluid leaks, and so on. What needs to be done is to have the computer scanned to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission. That will point us in the right directions for repairs.

As far as the odometer, it works in conjunction with the speedometer. Does it turn on and not change the mileage or doesn't it work at all?

Also, make sure the transmission position switch (range sensor) is still properly connected and not damaged. I attached a pic of it.

When you remove the engine, a lot of wiring was moved around, so make sure there were no grounds or sensors left unplugged. Also, make sure the shift linkage is properly installed and moving the shift lever at the transmission.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Welcome back:

A speed sensor can cause shifting problems. The location of the sensor is on the bell housing near where it mounts to the engine. It is easy to damage a wire, pinch a wire or even partially disconnect the connector.

Do me a favor. Check to see if any of the aforementioned conditions exist. Here are the directions for replacing the sensor. At least these directions will get you to the right part so you can check. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

I have to be honest, I'm not sure how it could have caused the vehicle to go to reverse. However, since the code exists, something has happened, so lets start there.

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2000 Toyota Celica GT L4-1.8L (1ZZ-FE)
Removal and Installation
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Vehicle Speed Sensor Service and Repair Procedures Removal and Installation
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
ON-VEHICLE REPAIR
1. REMOVE BATTERY
2. REMOVE ECM AND ECM CASE
3. REMOVE ECM BRACKET

pic 1

4. DISCONNECT VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR
5. REMOVE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR ASSEMBLY
a) Remove the bolt and vehicle speed sensor assembly.
B) Remove the clip and speedometer driven gear from the vehicle speed sensor.
C) Remove the O-ring from the vehicle speed sensor.

Pic 2

6. INSTALL VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR ASSEMBLY
a) Coat a new O-ring with ATF and install it to the vehicle speed sensor.
B) Install the speedometer driven gear to the vehicle speed sensor with clip.
C) Install the vehicle speed sensor assembly with the bolt.
Torque: 5.5 Nm (56 kgf-cm, 49 inch lbs.)
7. CONNECT VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR
8. INSTALL ECM BRACKET
Torque:
Bolt: 18 Nm (185 kgf-cm, 13 ft. Lbs.)
Nut: 12 Nm (120 kgf-cm, 9 ft. Lbs.)
9. INSTALL ECM AND ECM CASE
Torque: 6.9 Nm (70 kgf-cm, 61 inch lbs.)
10. INSTALL BATTERY

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Let me know what you find.

Joe

Welcome back:

Confirm that the neutral / park switch (AKA transmission indicator switch isn't damaged, not properly connected, and there are no wiring issues. I attached a pic of the switch I'm referring to.

Let me know. It has to be something electrical if there wasn't an issue prior.

Does the gear indicator react properly? In other words, does it indicate the correct gear all the time?

Joe

The only thing I can think of then is line pressure. Are you certain that the cooling lines were not partially bent or damaged in anyway that could cause a restriction?

Welcome back:

It could be anything, but I suspect it is either an electrical component or something is blocking pressure. Have you pulled the pan to see the condition of the fluid and filter? Something could be partially blocking it. From sitting, maybe enough dirt has dropped into the pan.

Okay, I do have a question that you may find stupid, but are the front axles full inserted into the transaxle? If the transmission was good before you stopped driving it, I doubt it just went bad. I suspect it's something simple.

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

The only thing we have left to check is line pressure. If that is good, either you have something stuck in the valve body or there is an issue with the ECM. The ECM does control the transmission on this vehicle.

If you want directions for testing line pressure, let me know. It will require a scanner which can read these types of codes. Here are the directions and specs are in the pics below.

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2000 Toyota Celica GT L4-1.8L (1ZZ-FE)
Hydraulic Tests
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Hydraulic Tests
HYDRAULIC TESTS
HYDRAULIC TEST

Measure the line pressure.

NOTE:
- Do the test at normal operation fluid temperature 50 - 80 °C (122 - 176 °F)
- The line pressure test should always be carried out in pairs. One technician should observe the conditions of wheels or wheel stoppers outside the vehicle while the other is doing the test.
- Be careful to prevent SST's hose from interfering with the exhaust pipe.

1. Warm up the ATF.
2. Remove the test plug on the transaxle case front left side and connect SST.
SST 09992-00095 (09992-00231, 09992-00271)
3. Fully apply the parking brake and chock the 4 wheels.
4. Connect an OBD II scan tool or TOYOTA hand-held tester to DLC3.
5. Start the engine and check idling speed.
6. Keep your left foot pressed firmly on the brake pedal and shift into D position.
7. Measure the line pressure when the engine is idling.
8. Depress the accelerator pedal all the way down. Quickly read the highest line pressure when engine speed reaches stall speed.
9. In the same manner, do the test in R position.

Pic 1

Specified line pressure:
If the measured pressure is not up to specified value, recheck the throttle cable adjustment and retest.

Pic 2

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

I'm glad you got it going. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe