Automatic shifter problem

I have this exact same problem/symptom. I will be trying the fix Kirk used.
I hope it works!

Thanks Kirk +rep incoming.

 

Woot! Glad it helped

 

I have a 2005 tacoma that has the same trouble. What I discovered the problem is a connector down in the left hand kick panel by driver left footI had this issue last year and doing some research this is what I discovered.And I mentioned it to a toyota mechanic this year when he was doing a oil change for me ( to cold out for me to do) and he confirmed that is where the problem is, he was a little shocked that I new about it! It seem to happen to my truck in the winter after a rain or car wash. There is a junction box that get damp and messes up the signal to the tranny so it would allow it to shift. I have to do mine again this week and will take some pictures. All you need to do is spray contact cleaner on the connector and the junction box I have had to do this 3 times now (this junction box allows 2 different connectors to be put together). The 1 post I found last year said the only way to totally fix this is to put in a updated wiring harness that is sealed better going through the firewall.

 

Maybe a stick or rock was in the linkage underneath?

 

Just had that in my 2015. Good homework! I will be calling about that part

 

My 2005 Tacoma has the same problem. Following a rain and then snow and bitter cold (10 deg F), the shifter wouldn't move and the truck wouldn't start. Had it towed to Toyota Service, and they were able to get the shifter into neutral (it probably thawed) and they lubed the cable and "associated parts". No charge! They said it was all rusty in there and that I should have them check on it when I bring it back for service. I'd like to do this myself if someone could give me some detailed instructions (or point me to a video) on how to get to the cable and "associated parts". I just juiced up my steering universal with white lithium grease, so maybe that would work well on the shifter problem, too.

 

I know this is an old thread but I just ran into the exact same problem. Thanks for the pics and info kirk.

 

Mine ended up needing to have the Park neutral safety switch replaced. The problem was resolved on my truck after the switch was replaced.

 

Coolerman - what did they charge to replace that switch? My 07 started having this problem last winter - worse when it sits, worse when it's been wet - better with the warmer weather. I pulled the connector apart under the left foot panel and "aired it out" seemed a little better but could be my imagination! Will try the centre console and see what happens - hope for the best would like to know cost to replace the switch. Thanks!

 

I don't recall the actual cost, it was a few years ago. I'm guessing it was a couple hundred bucks. The problem has not returned since the repair was done.

 

OK - thanks!

 

Just a follow up to this. the linkages from your shifter down to the trans will require greasing as well. what i did was have someone shift the transmission from park thru all 5 gears. as that was done i was underneath spraying grease into all the moving parts/links (there's linkages on both sides of the transmission fyi). just make sure when you do this that you put the parking brake on and block your tires.