1996 toyota corolla...suddenly lost 2nd and 3rd gears. is it a fuse or sensor?

1996 toyota corolla...suddenly lost 2nd and 3rd gears. is it a fuse or sensor?
This happened in a 1996 toyota corolla.I was driving to work and suddenly lost 2nd and 3rd gears. I have first and reverse. there was no lag prior to this happening; no symptom(s) to suggest any problem(s). The fluid is full and clean, and the car is well serviced, and taken care of. Did I blow a fuse I can't find? or maybe a sensor gone bad? I hate to think the thing suddenly decided to go kaput with no symptoms or warning. I have lots of repair knowledge, just not with trannies. I hate to take it to the shop, because, here, they are crack pot jobbers that I wouldn't want working on my toaster! Any ideas I can test or check would be appreciated!!!!! THANK YOU!!! where are the sensors? or what do they look like? I have a Haynes manual, but it says to take car to the shop for tranny.


Answers:

darvosix:  depends on whether it is an automatic transmission or manual transmission, but either way, sounds like a not-so-easy-problem, i am afraid-think u have to take it in anyway--sorry bout that!
2007-04-04 09:57:41
BluesDriver:  sorry to say.. soon the D also gone.. no point in repairing,
2007-04-04 10:06:21
Doc. justasinner111:  Sounds like a linkage problem.Toyota transmission don't wear out,unless someone did not do something right.
2007-04-04 15:58:01
Chosen Answer
Tom K:  I would check your sensors and connectors. If the transmission is not getting anything from the sensors it will automatically go into default mode, resulting in only one forward gear and reverse.
2007-04-04 20:04:39