[&o]Hi Gang,
Have a 94 camry 4cyl auto that does not want to start out in first gear unless you shift it manually.
No codes seem to show up on scanner.
Any easy answers here?
Thanks for looking.

 

Did you check for trans codes by using the O/D light? Does the O/D light work, if so is it blinking.

Make sure the shift arm on the trans is moving in conjunction with the shift lever, the are connected by a cable.

How is the trans fluid, low or black in color? When was the last time it was changed? If black and has never been changed might completely change it.

Other then first gear starting how does it shift, harsh, slow, shift points too high, too low, downshift OK? How does reverse work?

Otherwise the valving inside of the trans may not be working OK.

 

Third gear shift point seems a little high now that you mention it,
It will downshift to second from third an overdrive seems normal.
Does not show any codes with a snap on scanner.
It seemed to start with a dead battery, so i thought it threw some code but none show up.
Don't know my next move!

 

The 1994 is has ODBI, does the Snap-on scanner work with this system? The O/D light would be blinking if there was a code stored.

Check that the trans shift linkage is working OK as described in the previous post, and also trans fluid condition. Dirty fluid can cause all kinds of problems.

If all ok, the issue is most likely an internal problem perhaps the main shifter valve body.

Does the car shift OK into reverse, can you run the trans throught the gears from 1st to 2nd, 3rd, etc. manually?