wierd tranny problem, wondering if its major or just the linkage Options

[Redline08]

So i just picked up a 99 celica gt with 120k miles on it for $100. Its an auto but the transmission is funny, you dont have to push the button to shift through park and reverse ect, and when you put the car in park you cant turn the key passed accesory or whichever position makes the key completely vertical. Its almost like the ECU doesnt recognize the car is in park, wierd.

Any ideas on what is wrong? for $100 i dont really care if its a major problem because i can just swap a manual tranny in if it needs a new auto one. But if its just a shift linkage problem or ECU problem <$500 i would just keep it an auto ya digg?

Thanks for your ideas, everything helps!

[Bitter]

sounds like the shift lock is broken or the park-nuetral position switch on the trans has been bypassed.

check the wiring to the trans and around the shifter, something as simple as a linkage or wire may be broken. also make sure the shift lock bypass button isnt jammed down or something, however that would still disallow starting in gear.

will it start with the car in a forward or reverse gear?

This post has been edited by Bitter: Sep 14, 2008 - 9:50 AM