Hi, I have a 19999 Toyota Celica T23 model (Engine 1zz). Recently I have changed transmission oil and transmission filter but still experience delayed engagement. When starting up car after it is parked for long, the "Drive" shift takes 5mins or so to kick in. There's no engine light on and also starting up the car causes RPM to up as high as 2000rpms. The drive shift catches on when the rpms fall to or below 1000rpm. Can you identify the problem? If it is the shift solenoids, whereabouts in the Celica is it located? Inside the gearbox or at the bottom in the transmission pan after draining out transmission oil? Please help.
You didn't state mileage but it's certainly possible at that age that the transmission is just worn out, especially if it has not been properly maintained over the last 24 years.
The only way you can really tell if it's shift solenoids (other than loading the parts cannon - something that almost never works) is to have a transmission pro run diagnostics using a high-level bidirectional scan tool.
Hi Chuck the mileage is 128900 km