Hyundai Elantra Transmission failure

greetings
i have a 1998 Hyundai Elantra which, 'ahem' , Runs Well.
it has been maintained as well as most, and has displayed
no telltale symptoms of problems.

very abruptly the transmission 'lost' reverse, and will only
go forward in 1st gear.

it goes forward in 1st gear very well.....

i am afraid i'm in for a $1500 transmission repair or
replacement, so before i do i thought i'd see if there are
any other less-drastic causes for this sudden 'shift' in
performance.

if not... anyone have a used transmission to sell?

thanks.
b clark at lrgh dot org (drop the spaces and figure out the rest)

 

It doesn't sound good. Beyond low fluid or a misadjusted cable or range
switch, I can't think of any reason why all these symptoms would happen
except an internal transmission failure. You're probably fairly close on
the price. Be sure to shop the dealers as well. Hyundai offers these
remanufactured units at reasonable prices to the dealers, so the dealers
are often competitive with or better than outside shops on repair cost.

 

sigh. i see.
well, i've checked fluids and followed the diagrams i've been
able to find on cables and switches.... doesn't appear to be anything
i am competent to identify.
thanks for the response.