Shift Lever Sticks In Park

72 year old Newbee in love with my '07 Tacoma 4x4 access cab automatic 5 speed V-6 towing package. Haul ATV in bed, canoe on roof rack & tow popup camper. Lots of hunting, canoeing and fishing. Lots of backwoods off road to reach best spots. Proud to be a member of this forum with like minded folks.

Recent problem! The automatic shift lever locked up in PARK after starting & could not move it into reverse or drive. Tried turning engine off & restarting, no go. Finally put a little muscle on the shift lever and it went into reverse and drive.

Can Anyone tell me what caused this problem? I would like to know ahead of time before I take it to a mechanic.

 

Welcome to TW

Man, I have no idea... bumping this thread so others can see.

 

Usually you have to press on the brake pedal to get the trans outta park . Sometimes the brake switch goes out of adjustment . There is a bypass on the left side of the shifter to verify this is the issue .
This guy also had some issues http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...into-drive-rough-gear-change.html#post8022274

 

Do you park on an incline? If so, apply the parking brake first then put shifter into park. This way the weight of the truck doesn't torque lock the tranny, perhaps.

 

I read somewhere theres a plastic sleeve on the bottom of the lever that jams up the whole deal.. Maybe thats you issue. Ill see if i can find a link.

 

Or try this copy and pasted from other thread same deal as yourself:
This morning I went directly to the Stop (brake) fuse, yes listed as Stop. The fuse panel is located inside on drivers side near door. 10A Stop/Brake fuse was blown. Replaced fuse! Tacoma is now resting comfortably back home. Thanks to all for your help. This senile citizen is a happy camper again.

 

Thanks Folks for all the great suggestions. GearCruncher hit the mark. That one time, I was in a hurry and did not tap the brake pedal before starting the engine. I distinctly remember that I started the engine first and then tried to shift from park to drive and it would not go.

Also tried the other suggestions and brake lights worked fine.

I hope this also helps someone else with a similar problem.

jp

 

Good to hear you got it figured out. Welcome aboard from the High Desert of Central Oregon. GO SEAHAWKS!!!

 

I drove to a meeting in a town about 70 miles away. Got out, attended meeting. Got into truck, started, couldn't shift out of park. Had my foot on the brake, restarted engine, all no help. Since it was dark, it was easy to note that my brake lights were not working. Further investigation found that tail lights, license plate light and turn signals all inop. Found three fuses blown for these lights.

Previous owner had installed an aftermarket trailer light adapter and it had shorted out blowing all these fuses. With no power to the brake light circuit, the shift lockout did not unlock.

I took the wire cutters, cut the wires to the trailer light module, replaced the fuses, everything worked.