Hey guys my '92 camry has been sitting in my driveway for a while now, usually it is able to shift in all gears ,one day i backed it out of my slanted driveway and it doesnt want to go in park, drive nor reverse( it makes a grinding noise and clunking noise when trying to place in gear). Ive double check that the shifter cables are connected and working also ,can my tranmission level cause this? really getting frustrated with this car lol thanks in advance

 

Grinding noise when attempting to shift or when the car is moving?

 

When attempting to shift ( car won't shift at all )

 

If grinding when car is not moving the trans has internal damage or possible very low fluid. Could be a bad trans oil pump, trans main shaft issue or other internal issue. Don't use the car anymore until you find the problem or more damage can occur.

Can drop the trans pan and check for metal and do a visual inspection.

 

what i find really strange that it was working an hour or two before shifting it on my slanted driveway, all of a sudden it just wont go in gear, ive check the transmission oil level to be sufficient ( can 5 year old oil cause this to go bad? )

 

Worn out trans fluid does cause trans wear to the point of having problems. The issue is mileage and type of mileage on the fluid not age. If a non synthetic fluid, change the fluid every say 50K miles. Its the heat that kills the fluid as in stop and go driving (traffic jams) and pulling a trailer. Trans fluid age in years is a minor issue unless becoming contaminated or as stated effected by heat.

Do a search on the "paper towel oil test" to check fluid condition. Place drop of fluid on a paper towel and observe the color the compare to the photos found on the internet.

It is very common for a trains to work until it doesn't work. The trains functions normally then when the engine is started the trans has problems. As many have found out in becoming stranded and waiting for the tow truck.