Toyota Repair: Toyota Corolla 98 CE 65000, toyota corolla, clutch pedal

Question
Dear Ted,
Could help me please?

I have Toyota Corolla 98 CE, 65000 miles with automatic transmission. All warning lights on dash board are off

I have following questions:

When the car is cold, and I shift transmission from Parking position to Reverse or Drive, it is accompanied by strong knock. After warming-up, the shifting goes much smoother. Driving with acceleration, it is noticeable when the transmission changes the gears (probably from 2nd to 3rd). It feels like the clutch pedal has been suddenly pressed down. Is it normal for that car, or it is the indication of coming problems with transmission?

I keep some statistics on gas refilling, and it looks like my Toyota Corolla 98 makes 20 miles per gallon in city. What can I do to increase those numbers? I hoped to get something close to 30 miles.

I would really appreciate if you answer my questions.

Thank you in advance.


Answer
No this is not normal,the first thing you should do is check the transmission fluid level with the engine at idle and at operating temperature, if it's not on the full mark find out if there may be a transmission leak, at the same time check the color of the fluid, if it's dark and smells burned there is a major problem developing.
You won't get 30mpg city driving with this corolla which is rated at about 32mpg on the highway.