A friend has a problem with her automatic transmission. The car was apparently behaving normally with all forward gears available. As she was parking the car she tried to select reverse, the T-bar moved but reverse would not engage.

The rescue service mechanic said he was puzzled because the the car crept forward when Neutral was selected. Later examination at a garage revealed the transmission fluid to be black.

She has been quoted £3500-4500 to replace the gearbox which is clearly out of the question on such an old car. But there has been no attempt to understand or diagnose the problem. Is it possible there is a more simple explanation?

Does anybody have any ideas, please?

Thanks