Drive won't engage initially

[Rob B]

Hello out there,
I have a 99 SR5 with 255,xxx miles, 3.4L V6 with an automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive and here's my problem: Shifting into drive doesn't engage at first, as if it's just in neutral, but does work after driving it a very short distance in 2nd. Has anyone else experienced this? My worst fear is the expense of getting transmission work done, so I was wondering if I could get help pinpointing the problem. Heck, I might even be able to fix it myself. Thanks.

 

[audiness]

did you check the fluid level?

 

[UTEP]

Hi,

Hopefully you have done the basics and checked ATF level and quality. Should be rather clear and red/pink. If brown and smells burnt a change/gentle flush would be in order.

Hopefully no pink milk shake but I think this would present itself differently in operation.

Is it very cold where you are? When it was down in 30's mine shifted a little late depending upon the above could delay shifting....maybe.

HTH