92 4Runner 3.0 4x4 auto trans. Today I went to drive and put the trans in reverse and the motor revved like it was it neutral so I put it in drive and the same thing happened, so I put it back into reverse and revved it little more and it finally catches and drives fine for the rest of the drive. What could cause this?

 

First step would be to check fluid level and condition.

 

Yea I didn't have time tonight but I'll start there in the morning

 

If that checks out, then next maybe look at the shift linkage. After that, you're probably looking at solenoids, etc...

 

If the fluid level is OK, Auto trans morning sickness (not going into gear until the fluid warms up) are signs of hard or worn seals. If you do a fluid change it may help or make it worse, especially if it has over 100k miles.

 

Well it was in a parking lot it been parked about an hour before I got back to so it shoulda been somewhat warm, yea it has 266,xxx miles so I'm sure it's getting wore out

 

Ok fluid level is low. It's leaking behind the rear driveshaft flang, it wasn't leaking till it warmed up so I couldn't see it dripping on the ground when parked over night. I'll replace the gasket and refill and see how it acts and update