06 Tacoma with auto transmission won't shift

Thanks for the suggestion but the shifter was very stiff before it completely froze up so I don't think this is my issue. I'm happy you posted that up though, so others could possibly benefit from it!

 

I finally got some time to check out the neutral safety switch. I took off the two bolts and it would not budge. After prying, cursing, PB Blaster, prying, more cursing, more PB Blaster, I finally was able to get the entire NSS to move back and forth, but I could still not remove it. So I have broken off the other side of the transmission where the cable connects, and I have FUBAR-ed the threads on the neutral safety switch, trying to remove it from the transmission on the other side. At least I can shift gears now, too bad my truck still won't start
I am now thinking that the ground straps are too rusted and that I was getting ground from the shifting cable, that the stud broke off of. Does anyone have a .pdf of where the ground straps are located? Any other advice?
What are the chances that I don't need to replace the NSS since it is fused to the transmission? I am hoping I can just put one bolt back in it and be good to go.

 

I would suggest grabbing a new switch from the dealer or cheaper yet , one from the auto wrecker . Your old switch has corroded to the shaft . There is room to drill out the old bolts and drill and tap fresh threads.
I doubt its good for your computer controlled transmission to be driving around when the computer thinks your transmission is still in park or reverse for that matter. Replace the switch and your truck will start properly once again

 

Ah, I was unsure of how this thing worked. So I am able to shift the transmission because I am moving the entire switch. I'm sure as soon as I bolt the switch back up then, it will no longer shift. Gearcruncher, thank you so much for all of your help! I'm not sure however, what you mean about drilling the switch out. It is fused to the rod that comes out of the transmission.

 

I have a brand new switch that I'm selling much cheaper than u can buy at dealer. I bought it and didn't need it. Let me know.

 

PM sent

 

Anyone have a pdf with ground strap locations?

 

Too bad I can't assist but just wanted to comment that this thread with all its postings has some very good info concerning the trans.

 

After letting the switch soak in some PB for a couple of days, I tried to pry it off again and now here's what I'm dealing with. Suggestions? I thought I would ask before I try to just stick a pair of vise grips on the remaining piece of switch left on the shaft and try to twist it off.
BTW, how do you like my frame? Ugh

 

If the picture is showing that you managed to get the switch removed , all you have to do is install the new switch and fix the threads . With this said , I would clean the shaft with a wire wheel and never sieze the shaft .You sure have some nasty corrosion .

 

Thanks gearcruncher. That photo was before I was able to remove the rest of the switch from the shaft. After PB blaster, a lot of cursing, and beating a screwdriver to try to separate the switch, I finally got it off after about an hour. Laying on my back in the driveway while being showered with rust from my frame, was not pleasant! I did discover a hole in my frame while I was down there. Looks like my truck will spend a few months now sitting at the dealership waiting for a new frame.

 

You must be one tough lady hehehe . Almost looks like the switch was welded directly to the shaft .I have seen them like this in the past and usually just take a hammer to them .
I thought you had broken the 2 bolts that hold the switch in place and is why i was explaining you could drill and tap the holes to install new bolts .
Good job getting that critter off . I would have been cursing as well .
Hope you get a new frame from Toyota .

 

Well I got my new switch, I cleaned up the shaft with some sandpaper and put some anti-seize on it. The switch was difficult to install, I actually had to tap it with a hammer to get it to go on, and I still did not get it on all the way before it started to sleet and I ended up laying in a puddle of water under my truck and quit for the day. I had the truck in neutral though, I was hoping it would at least start up now, nothing. If the neutral safety is not aligned properly, it should still start in neutral, correct? I really think that my ground straps are rusted and I was getting ground through the shift cable. The shift cable is on, but not bolted down, since I have not tackled repairing the broken end yet. UGH Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and I can try again to get the switch the rest of the way on.

 

If the neutral safety is not properly aligned it will not start.

 

you have a better chance of getting it to start in park but you have to remove the key , then make the adjustments needed under the truck . follow the directions in my earlier post and everything should work fine .