Reverse only after driving a while

2002 TOYOTA CORONA
100,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JBLEOD
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My 92 Toyota Corona only goes into reverse after I have been driving it for a while (15-20 minutes). If you try to put it in reverse from a cold start it will not engage; the gear selector will go into reverse but nothing will happen (same as if it were in PARK). If you are driving for a while the care will go into reverse with no problem (100 percent of the time after warm). Or, if you are driving for a while then stop the car and go into a store or something, when you come out and restart the car, it will go into reverse with no problem. Even if you leave if for 30-40 minutes. This is a recently purchased used car. I knew about the problem before I purchased the car but the previous owner just decided to back in everywhere. Does anyone have any idea why this would happen? Thank you in advance.
Jan 18, 2014 at 5:26 AM
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HMAC300
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check fluid level first if ok have a trans guy look at it as it may be a clutch seal issue cold.
Jan 18, 2014 at 6:43 AM
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JBLEOD
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This car is an automatic.
Jan 18, 2014 at 4:52 PM
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HMAC300
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yes I know, automatic transmissions have clutches inside them that are put on hydraulically and the seals get hard when cold so will no longer seal and then when it warms u they seal a little so the clutch pak will apply. that is why yours is screwing up. age does that to vehicles even if not abused, the car is 22yrs old so this is to be expected.
Jan 19, 2014 at 8:10 AM
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JBLEOD
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Thank you very much. This was very helpful and is the best explanation for what is going on with my car. Is this something that is usually repaired with a transmission rebuild or is this something that will require special instructions/attention from the mechanic? I do not have many options for car repair where I live and the language barrier is dramatic. I want to make sure I am asking for the correct repair. Thank you so much for all your help.
Jan 19, 2014 at 3:49 PM
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HMAC300
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normally a rebuild takes care of this but it really depends on what is wrong with trans once it is opened up.
Jan 19, 2014 at 5:56 PM