Automatic Transmission Failure????

[Steelmuscle]

I replaced the drive axles on my sons '92 a few months ago. Over the weekend the Corolla came to a shuddering halt in the middle of the street. My son had the car towed to a relatives home. I went to look at the car. It start fine. When the car is put in drive it does not move. The engine does not rev up like the trany is slipping. It feels like the car is being power braked. The engine lugs down as I give it gas, but it does not move. There is a slight movement rearward when the car is put in reverse. The engine lugs when in reverse also. I was going to pull it home to get it into the garage, but the car will not even roll when in neutral. I thought perhaps the brakes weren't releasing which might cause this. Or am I too optimistic in hoping the trany is still ok??

[diver9000]

sounds like someone ran it dry.

[tashirosgt]

When you replaced the axles, did you drain and refil the differential? I doubt the brakes are your problem, but you could jack up the car and check that each wheel spins freely.

[ShawnM]

I would take a look at the axles.

[mvftw]

If you have a 3 spd auto, the diff is separate from the tranny. Fill plug is facing the rack. You may have run dry as earlier mentioned... I know this is a fact on '93 -'97 models...would assume also on a '92...

[Steelmuscle]

I drained a quart off the different as per the manual. I replaced the right axle without any problem. I was not able to get the left axle out myself, so I took it to a local shop. I told them I'd drained a quart off. They replaced the one axle and I picked the car up. I'll bet your all correct and the differential has been running dry ever since. It has probably siezed up. What are my options if this is the case?

[toyomoho]

If the issue is low diff fluid the shop should be on the hook. They worked on the car last and it should have been SOP to check the diff fluid after axle change. With the front wheels off the ground, turn the wheels by hand and listen and feel. Repairing the diff would most likely cost then buying a good used transmission. And see if a diff seal was leaking, perhaps it was damaged during repair.

Also check the auto trans level and see if the fluid is burned.

[mvftw]

Well it only holds 1.5 qts (diff only), so it's properly toast..that sux...if you can't get the shop to pay for it (play stupid)... you will need a new tranny...

[Steelmuscle]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all your help.