1996 toyota avalon xl will only move in reverse but wont move in drive, is there a transmission problem or something else

Electronic system?? It tries to pull off in drive but it only does that when overdrive is off, when car is in drive it doesn't move anywhere. I was thinking transmission problems not electrical problems. Was told car was too old to hook up to get a code but the engine light is on. Electronic system?? It tries to pull off in drive but it only does that when overdrive is off, when car is in drive it doesn't move anywhere. I was thinking transmission problems not electrical problems. Was told car was too old to hook up to get a code but the engine light is on.

it is an electronic problem as the transmission doesn't know what ratio to select
units that control that are the TCM, TRS and the VSS
it has a code if it has an engine light
you were told that because the mechanic was not trained enough to be able to read the flashing light code
there is a point where you attach a special light pen and they you read the "morse code flashes"this is the old OBD-1 system used around 1988 models
take it to an accredited specialist transmission shop for a proper diagnosis and quote it is an electronic problem as the transmission doesn't know what ratio to select units that control that are the TCM, TRS and the VSS it has a code if it has an engine light you were told that because the mechanic was not trained enough to be able to read the flashing light code there is a point where you attach a special light pen and they you read the "morse code flashes"this is the old OBD-1 system used around 1988 models take it to an accredited specialist transmission shop for a proper diagnosis and quote

Thank you Mr. Boyd, im taking your advice very seriously and will take it to a reputable mechanic. But for my knowledge, what does the codes TCM, TRS, AND VSS mean. Thank you Mr. Boyd, im taking your advice very seriously and will take it to a reputable mechanic. But for my knowledge, what does the codes TCM, TRS, AND VSS mean.

TCM= transmission control module
controls when the ratios will change and what servos/ solenoids to activate
TRS= transmission range service
reports to the TCM as to the correct ratio in use
VSS= vehicle speed sensor
reports to the tcm as to vehicle speed, runs the speedo readings on the dash, controls the cruise control function TCM= transmission control module controls when the ratios will change and what servos/ solenoids to activate TRS= transmission range service reports to the TCM as to the correct ratio in use VSS= vehicle speed sensor reports to the tcm as to vehicle speed, runs the speedo readings on the dash, controls the cruise control function

Thank you so much for taking time out to help others Thank you so much for taking time out to help others

can it be reset and if so how can it be reset and if so how

You were right on the money when you said mechanical issue. Had test done and it showed up as a VSS. Thank you again so much for your help in finding this as a possible issue. The sensor costs around $100.00 and I could have spent thousands listening to other mechanics. She'll be back on the road soon thanks to you... You were right on the money when you said mechanical issue. Had test done and it showed up as a VSS. Thank you again so much for your help in finding this as a possible issue. The sensor costs around $100.00 and I could have spent thousands listening to other mechanics. She'll be back on the road soon thanks to you...