Have a 1993 Camry 5S-FE. Transmission was leaking (slowly) and it wasn't engaging the engine as fully as it could as a result. I would put some fluid in it and it would drive fine. Replaced the filter and gasket (someone had tried gluing the rubber filter into place) and filled the transmission up with fluid (Castrol Import multi-Vehicle). Started up the car and transmission would still not engage the engine fully. Would only move at higher RPMs. I did have reverse, though. Checked the level and noticed I was about half a quart off. Topped off the fluid. Same problem. Did I burn up the transmission while (briefly) trying to get it to engage in the forward gears? Maybe I have the wrong fluid. It says it covers type T, T-III and T-IV for Toyota. Any ideas?

 

If the car moves in reverse but not forward the trans has some internal problem. Perhaps a forward clutch or brake has failed.

 

Yeah I kind of think so too but I am hoping there is something not so obvious. Fixing the transmission would probably cost more than the car is worth.

 

probably the brake is the problem. Most of the time it's the brake.

 

You can try manually shifting to low and determine if any thing changes.