Internal Tranny Problem or Computerized One

HELP! I own a 1985 Toyota Camry (215,000 miles), which has had relatively very few problems in it's lifetime. However, I was driving on flat road and suddenly car just wouldn't move when given gas. The engine was still running fine. I heard no noise or had not experienced any vibrations or transmission problems. I did have a CV Joint give on me about 7 months ago, and thought it was same thing, however did not hear same noise. I put car in reverse and it did move some, but then stopped and had to put in neutral and let it roll onto shoulder (was very, very slight incline). Checked transmission-fluid looked and smelled good and no metal in it. When up on stands, transmission shifts fine, but must put gas pedal to floor for wheels to move. No mechanically visible tranny problem. Is is possible that problem could be internal (without warning signs) or could it be a computerized problem caused by solenoid, sensor, or wiring? My next step is to bring it to a dealer for diagnostics, but can't afford that at this time. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

when you say that the engine runs, does this means that when you step on it the engine revs up but the car doesn't move??

If it does happen, then it could be the flywheel, it could be the torque converter, it could even be the axels. can't help any more than that.

when you say that the engine runs, does this means that when you step on it the engine revs up but the car doesn't move??

If it does happen, then it could be the flywheel, it could be the torque converter, it could even be the axels. can't help any more than that.

Yes, the engine runs fine, but the car does not move. Thought the flex wheel or oil pump inside tranny, but never really heard any "warning" noises. Will drop tranny and check it out. Had been hoping it was a computerized (sensor) issue. Thanks for the reply!

toyotaluv55 no current transmission maker / user uses pure electrics to varry valve body pressure & shifting.
All A/T's still use a manual valve body, most use electrical solenoids to change the fluid pathway through the valve body to shift. Fluid pressure is still manually controlled, via throttle plate cables, or other mechanical means.
Without electrical means, transmissions themselves will still work, just in increasingly limited fashion -> with the high mean time before faillure of electrical parts, it's highly unlikely that everything goes bad at once.

What I'm getting at, is you have a mechanical problem.



If the flex plate is broken, the engine won't crank.
If the transmission oil pump isn't working, the transmission cooling lines will not warm up.


Sounds to me like low transmission fluid pressure, destroyed clutches, or a bad torque convertor. I would check them in that order.