'88 MKIII Auto Trans won't shift out of first gear

bambudist · 03-18-2009, 03:33 PM

One day it was working fine, the next day it won't shift out of first. Is this a solenoid problem or....?
Shifts into Reverse fine and into First but won't up-shift normally.

Anyone have a magic bullet for me to solve this problem? This is coming at a very inconvenient time. (but isn't it always?)

Any help greatly appreciated...

james5tvx · 12-24-2010, 04:13 PM

This is really late(not surprised if you have never signed back on here) But did you ever find out what was up with your Mk3 supra on that wont shift out of 1st problem?

bambudist · 12-24-2010, 06:47 PM

There is a coupling with a small cable inside that connects the speedo to the tranny. It is on the right rear part of the tranny and is a metal elbow looking thing. If it breaks, which mine did, the transmission wont shift out of first.

In otherwords, the speedo tells the tranny to shift. If the speedo cable breaks, no shift. Easy to fix, if you know what to look for.

MA70-3.0GT · 12-24-2010, 07:48 PM

WOW.... Just wow, I'm surprised nobody suggested anything sooner... Not as surprised as I am that the o/p is still here though haha

top man.

Glad you got it sorted. the JDM cars with digital dash must be different since the speedo is intermittent on mine & the 'box still shifted fine with it inactive (although I must admit the shift point did seem higher up the rev range, but it still shifted)

angel455 · 08-26-2011, 04:13 AM

im having the same problem i just bought a supra 1989 1jz twin turbo bought it for 1500 the guy said the transmission was bad it nedeed to be replaced but i loked it up and found this forum so i went to my nearest toyota dealer and bought it it only cost 20.00 dollars. the tranmission wouls run perfect in first gear and reverse but wont shift.. im piking up the cable tomorrow. ill let u know if it shifts. if it does shift well ill post a video on youtube.

DRAG-N-DRIFTER · 03-08-2012, 02:37 AM

My Toyota Supra automatic transmission won't shift out of 1st gear, this problem can be fixed if you know what to look for. I will post a video on how and what to look for. I just wished I had known about this before instead of having to stored away my supra in the garage. Oh well, better late than never!!!

She's running fine now!!!

cre · 03-08-2012, 08:03 AM

Bumping a really old thread just to post a teaser about your mechanical and diagnostic prowess? C'mon... post it or stuff it. I don't generally let chest thumping and necromancy bother me as long as there's something worthwhile accompanying it.

03-18-2009, 03:33 PM	#1
bambudist Stock Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 2	'88 MKIII Auto Trans won't shift out of first gear One day it was working fine, the next day it won't shift out of first. Is this a solenoid problem or....? Shifts into Reverse fine and into First but won't up-shift normally. Anyone have a magic bullet for me to solve this problem? This is coming at a very inconvenient time. (but isn't it always?) Any help greatly appreciated... __________________ 1988 MKIII, Targa Top, Automatic, 7MGE Last edited by bambudist; 03-18-2009 at 03:36 PM.

12-24-2010, 04:13 PM	#2
james5tvx Stock Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: san jose Posts: 1	really late... This is really late(not surprised if you have never signed back on here) But did you ever find out what was up with your Mk3 supra on that wont shift out of 1st problem?

12-24-2010, 06:47 PM	#3
bambudist Stock Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 2	There is a coupling with a small cable inside that connects the speedo to the tranny. It is on the right rear part of the tranny and is a metal elbow looking thing. If it breaks, which mine did, the transmission wont shift out of first. In otherwords, the speedo tells the tranny to shift. If the speedo cable breaks, no shift. Easy to fix, if you know what to look for. __________________ 1988 MKIII, Targa Top, Automatic, 7MGE

12-24-2010, 07:48 PM	#4
MA70-3.0GT 12psi boost Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Crewe, England Posts: 356	WOW.... Just wow, I'm surprised nobody suggested anything sooner... Not as surprised as I am that the o/p is still here though haha top man. Glad you got it sorted. the JDM cars with digital dash must be different since the speedo is intermittent on mine & the 'box still shifted fine with it inactive (although I must admit the shift point did seem higher up the rev range, but it still shifted) __________________ '89 MA70 Supra GT aero 3.0turbo JDM, Rebuilt motor, K&N intake, 3" stainless turbo-back. New turbo and braided line kit... '89 Honda NC27 400, NC23 cams, open pipe, PC36a shock & possibly Showa USD forks... '83 Yamaha 29R XJ750E-II, number 69 off the line, only runner in the country? Original except Koni shocks '95 Honda PC26 CB500R, Winter hack, hateful, trying to sell it I'm not paranoid, they really ARE after me!!!

08-26-2011, 04:13 AM	#5
angel455 Stock Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: miami, FL Posts: 1	transmission wont shift im having the same problem i just bought a supra 1989 1jz twin turbo bought it for 1500 the guy said the transmission was bad it nedeed to be replaced but i loked it up and found this forum so i went to my nearest toyota dealer and bought it it only cost 20.00 dollars. the tranmission wouls run perfect in first gear and reverse but wont shift.. im piking up the cable tomorrow. ill let u know if it shifts. if it does shift well ill post a video on youtube.

03-08-2012, 02:37 AM	#6
DRAG-N-DRIFTER Stock Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Philadelphia Pa Posts: 3	toyota supra automatic transmission won't shift out of 1st gear My Toyota Supra automatic transmission won't shift out of 1st gear, this problem can be fixed if you know what to look for. I will post a video on how and what to look for. I just wished I had known about this before instead of having to stored away my supra in the garage. Oh well, better late than never!!! She's running fine now!!! __________________ DRAG-N-DRIFTER:gr inking:

03-08-2012, 08:03 AM	#7
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Bumping a really old thread just to post a teaser about your mechanical and diagnostic prowess? C'mon... post it or stuff it. I don't generally let chest thumping and necromancy bother me as long as there's something worthwhile accompanying it. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

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