08 Does Not Start When in Park or Neutral

My 08 Tacoma (v6, Automatic Transmission) no longer starts in park. This has been like this for a month on and off. Sometimes if I get the gear shifter in just the right position, it would start. Recently it won’t start at all in Park and I have to start it in Neutral.

Now I am having to wiggle the shifter around to find just the right spot to start. It usually takes me at least 5 minutes.

It does this regardless of how long its been driven, or how long it has sat between uses. Any ideas on what I can look at before I take it to a shop?

edit: the battery is fine. The starter is fine. Once it turns over it starts right up.

 

The park neutral switch on the transmission is failing. It could be out of adjustment but extremely unlikely.

I wouldn't drive it in that state. I would have it fixed before I needed a tow truck to ruin my day.

 

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Remove the plastic console around the gear selector. there is a tiny plastic sleeve and pin which engages a switch allowing key to start engine. Simple fix once you find the part. No I will not be providing the link but the TacomaWorld search bar will help you find a members DIY post

 

I'm pretty sure that is not the OP's issue.

 

May be right. May be wrong. I had to hit "Show ignored content" For THIS ?

 

Show us a pic of this "sleeve, pin, and switch".

 

If I still had a Gen2 id be happy to oblige but my Gen1 outlived it.

 

He can't show what doesn't exist...

Much like the DIY Link he refused to provide.

 

You have me on Ignore.

Good.

 

Hope this helps to get your Yoda started

 

1st clue that the video has absolutely nothing to do with the OP's problem? There's a transfercase lever sticking up out of the floor.

 

Not even close. The link for a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 single cab.

Here is better documentation:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old...6toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/02600710.pdf

1.INSPECT PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY
(a) Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to ON.
(b) Depress the brake pedal and check that the engine starts only when the shift lever is set in the N or P position and that it does not start in any other positions.
(c) Check that the back-up light comes on and the reverse warning buzzer sounds only when the shift lever is set in the R position and not in other positions.If any failure is found, check the park/neutral position switch for continuity.

2.ADJUST PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY
(a) Loosen the bolt of the park/neutral position switch and set the shift lever to the N position.
(b) Align the groove and the neutral basic line.
(c) Hold the switch in position and tighten the bolt.Torque: 13 N*m (130 kgf*cm, 9 ft.*lbf)
(d) After making an adjustment, perform the inspection described in step 1.


Notice in the shifter assembly for the second generation looks nothing like what you posted.

http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old...6toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/02601010.pdf

 

If you tell someone you are ignoring them, are you really?
Black DOG Lila was last seen:
Viewing media by Jimmyh, 4 minutes ago

 

LOL,

Busted!

 

Shift lock is different than park neutral switch. Oy.