1989 Camry with 145k miles. Tranny was doing fine until today, when I drained about 1 quart of excessive ATF via pan (was way above hot marks when cold). For the first time, transmission does NOT engage from stop while in drive or L1; this happens about 20% of the time, but does NOT happen in other gears. I checked ATF level and it's near the maximum level. As a precaution, I added about a pint of ATF, then idled the engine while shifting through all gears at rest.

What's the cause?

Is there a problem with having TOO much ATF in there?


Thanks

 

When this happens, the tachometer shows the engine revs to 2500 rpm, then the transmission kicks in. Reverse is perfect. I added about 1/2 quart of ATF, because I had to run errands, and the transmission has not slipped (yet?). Thanks

 

So, you drained a quart of ATF fluid because the 'hot' level was high when the tranny was cold?
The typical way to measure tranny fluid is to warm the engine up and drive for a few miles, like 5 or so.
Then measure the level and you should get an accurate reading.
It sounds like you were/are running without enough tranny fluid.