Won't shift out of Park until I rev the engine

2nd Gen 2005 4x4 - recently this problem has developed: to shift it out of Park I need to gently Reve the engine once (hit the gas pedal gently and release) and then it shifts normally. What causes this? All other vehicle functions are ok. Only this one little thing when shifting out of Park. Other transmission shifts are normal with normal engine RPMs etc. Thx in advance.

 

That is a new one for me... Maybe @gearcruncher will chime in with some information.

 

So you can’t move the gear selector until AFTER you rev the engine?

 

Yeah I don't understand, need more information. The shifter is physically stuck until you tap the gas? Like how it acts when you're not touching the brake?

 

just for fun test battery voltage

 

torque converter?

 

if its as u say, maybe a mount issue causing linkage misalignment.
possible front pump or torque converter issue

 

Turn key on to run position, put foot on brake, don't actually start engine, can you shift it into drive? You should be able to.

 

Look underneath at the tranny. There is a linkage. Spray the shit out of it with some good oil. Just an idea.

 

On the assumption you're shifting from P to R and nothing happens unless you rev the engine - that probably points to a pump/pressure/fluid level problem.

 

This OP. Can you do this?

 

I am going with a shift lock solenoid issue as my first guess
Increasing the engine rpm doesnt have anything to do with moving the shift linkage . Probably a loose connection causing the contacts in the shift lock mechanism to lose contact . Increasing the engine rpm shakes the truck enough to re-connect the loose wiring or you have very low battery voltage or corrosion and the solenoid in the shift lock mechanism is taking its sweet time to unlock

Keep in mind , your engine does not need to be running to move the shifter out of park . You can turn the ignition to the " ON " position without the truck running , hit the brake pedal and you can move the shifter through all the detents .
Can you see your brake lights come on when you hit the brakes ? This will tell us that your brake switch is functioning . The shift lock solenoid gets a signal from the brake switch when you hit the brakes .

Another member had some issues just last week not being able to get his truck out of park and he had a lot of help . Check out the post .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-shifter-cable-locked.692723/#post-24479252

 

OP, hasn’t been back since 1 mins after he posted.
I’m guessing it isn’t too big an issue yet.

Maybe he’s like me, and waits until it “completely fails” to fix it.

I might have known my battery was weak, and I might have waited until I got stranded before I decided to fix it. Like I said, I might have done this, but I won’t admit to it.