Shifter getting hard to move

06 4x4 v6 Tacoma. Lately shifting out of park getting hard. Have to move shifter with force in to drive. Then it works fine. Even the letters d r 1 2 3 don't light up. Have to wiggle shifter till get them lit. Any ideas????

 

How much soda/coffe/beer have you spilled down there?

 

None. I'm pretty clean.

 

Check the Park neutral safety switch on the transmission.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...6-removing-cleaning-neutral-start-switch.html

 

Neutral safety switch

 

Thanks for input.
Got the mounting bolt off, wire harness off, and the big nut off no problem. Locking washer destroyed. I can move the unit left/ right but could not get/ pry off. So after 15 min put everything back together except locking washer. As of right now shifting is normal and indicator lights working.

 

It's probably seized on the shaft you have to be careful not snap the shaft that goes through the transmission. If you soak it with penetrant and let it work it's way in a few days. There are four ears that crush down around the shaft snap those off and try to work it off. You may also have to sand down some corrosion of the shaft to get it off. Just keep in mind there is a seal behind the switch and you do not want to damage that shaft

 

Good that it is working for now. It will probably be back. Many have had issues in removing the switch when it gets corroded.

Lots of penetrating oil and patience.