2016 tacoma trouble shifting to reverse

2016 Tacoma TRD off-road with approx 150k miles.

I have never had issues with the truck. It just started not shifting/having trouble shifting into reverse. When the issue occurs, I am going from P to R. The R will not light up, no sound changes in sound noticed. Then after about 3 seconds, there will be a "clunk" sound and it engages in reverse. When it happens, I can shift to N, D, P just fine, it is just the R that won't immediately engage. It doesn't happen all the time. Is this a transmission fluid issue or some sort of switch issue?

 

Start with lubing linkage under truck on transmission. A few had problems in past as you described. Lube on linkage solved problems.

 

Thanks, I will try that. The mechanics want to replace the neutral shift assembly (floor shift) but that will cost $1200 (parts and labor). I will see if your suggestion works first.

 

I tried spraying the linkage under the truck. Still having the issue. Reverse will work sometimes but not always.

 

Did you soak the linkage and work the linkage by shifting up and down a few times? This is a 2015 but the principle is the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J78a7rWiIk

 

Yes, I did that twice. The problem is still there.

 

Try lubing cable from top ( in console) down.

 

Problem solved. I took it to a local shop that works on foreign transmissions to get a second opinion. Within 1 hour, they found the issue. It was a wire that did not have a good connection to the NSS. They repaired the wire and the truck works great now. They were suspicious that the dealership was saying I had to replace the NSS. I have tested it multiple times since they repaired the wire and have had no issues.

 

Glad to hear you have a 16 and have 150k with no major issues.

I picked up a 16 in November with 55k and hope it lasts a long time.