Shifter Cable

I have a 2005 Tacoma, 4Lv6 Access Cab,4x4 with auto trans. Shifter cable is stretched and is hard getting into gear if I can get it in gear at all. Called numerous dealers and all have told me they don't have the part (33820-04010) or do they have an "ETA" on when they will become available. Even had one parts manager tell me that the part is not available at all in the USA. Called Toyota Customer Service and got nowhere. Even checked local salvage yards and found nothing. I do not drive the truck, don't want to damage the trans, but I do start it everyday. Oh yea, the truck only has 65,000 miles on it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Define "Hard to get in gear"

I highly doubt that the cable is stretched as it is never under a strain with normal usage.

Here is what I suggest:

Disconnect the cable from the transmission linkage and then shift it through the gears. I'll bet there is no resistance at all.

The problem more than likely is the Park Neutral Safety Switch on the opposite side of the transmission. They are known to have issues with age. I'll locate a picture and post it here.

Note: With age the corrosion can make these a bear to remove. Purchase some PB Blaster or some other penetrant and soak it for several days. Do not beat on the shaft as it could damage the transmission.

 

"Hard to get into gear" is using much force to move the shift lever. I will give your suggestion a try for sure. Thank you for the input.

 

That sounds like the Park Neutral Safety Switch, I'm as sure as I can be without seeing it in person.

 

Went to take linkage apart and that looked pretty rusty so I sprayed that and the NSS with PB ... both several times a day a for the past few days. Just for giggles I tried to move the shifter before I went at the linkage and it worked. Easy to move and it moves the entire range (it took some effort just to get the thing from Park to Drive and wouldn't go into the lower gears). Took it for a drive, shifted properly and ran just fine. Gonna' order a new NSS anyway, better safe than sorry. Thanks Jimmyh.