88 camry automatic 3 and 4 gear only in DRIVe

[henri26900]

I have a 88 camry, when I put the car into Drive, it only has 3rd and 4th gear. I have been driving it like this for a vert long time believe it or not (HILLS suck), any ways. However, i can use first and second gear manually with the shifter....

Is there a sensor that may be causing this to happen. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Dave's]

The Gen 3 140E has shift solenoids which can get stuck or go bad. Easy to get to by pulling the pan. Don't have a manual on yours though so don't know how similar it is.

[Doctor J]

Check white wire to solenoid #1
There should be power to it with ignition "on" regardless of the gear position, even with engine is not running .To check if power is present, separate connector at tranny and use test light at the terminal that leads to the white wire[harness side}, if power is present, then and check for continuity between the wire and bellhousing. Infinite resistance indicate burnout solenoid. If ohmeter is not available use 9 volt battery; connect plus to the white wire terminal and touch negative battery post to the bellhousing.
If solenoid is working you will hear the click.
If solenoid clicks, the passage to it can be plugged.
Note the defective solenoid /wire will set the trouble code in ECT comp..