Help me identify this 'shifter' problem please

I've got a 2014 Tacoma w automatic transmission. Recently I felt a little problem with the shifter not being as smooth as it had been but today the problem got worse. It will shift from Park to Reverse just fine but when I move from Reverse to Neutral it 'pops' like a small bone breaking. After this all is smooth going to Drive and back to Park.

I'm about the worst mechanic to own a crescent wrench however I suspect the problem is just an adjustment in the linkage ... or maybe I'm just hoping it's that simple.

 

Check your plastic that moves when shifting,sometimes a little soft drink spills and it makes plastic grab.just take a small amount of water on plastic move forward and back. Happened to me,that was my fix.

 

Thanks Yancey but this is more than just a sticky kind of problem ... it actually kind of pops out of R going to D ... there is something out of alignment I believe. I don't think (or maybe I just hope) it will be an expensive repair but I believe there is an adjustment that is needed.

 

I'm with Yancey51. Unscrew your shift knob and pull that plastic case off that surrounds the shifter. It's only clipped in. If the shifting issue is still there, then yes you are binding up elsewhere. I've seen many of those small flexible plastic pieces get sticky and then the person decides to just manhandle the situation and make it work. Might also keep in mind if you are asking for advise, maybe take it. Don't just assume it's not that. Remember, you are the one asking for help.

 

Well said marinetaco ... I have just been manhandling the shifter to get it from R to D ... and I did just assume the problem had to be more difficult than that. I'll go out right now and unscrew the shift knob and remove the plastic case. Then I'll report back about the results.

I am the one asking for help and I stand corrected. Thanks!

 

Unscrewing and removing the shifter knob was easy enough but I don't see the way to remove the plate with the P, R, N, D, etc on it. It seems like it should just pop off but I'm reluctant to get rough with it like taking something to pry it loose. Could you instruct me about removing that plate?

 

Here are a couple pics

 

Thank you both Yancy and marinetto. I've been able to remove the cover now and with it out of the way my shifter works smoothly. It's really dirty under there so now I'll set about cleaning it good. Then when it's replaced I'm sure the problem will be fixed. Thanks for helping me learn something about my rig!