So I had an interesting transmission lever shifting issue last week. For some reason, I wasn't able to get OD and 1st/Low gear engaging with the shifter lever. The dash indicator confirmed this by not illuminating the D or L lights. The transmission also confirmed that it will not shift into OD or into 1st/Low.

I popped the shifter lever console and looked inside to see what's up. The attached picture shows a spring end (circled in red) wasn't where it was suppose to be. For some reason, the spring end moved out of its home position and fell under the plastic piece. So, I pulled the spring end up and repositioned back in its home position and confirmed that I do get D and L.

BUT, the plot thickens. Now, the D and L light up but NOT 4 and 1st/L, LOL!!! So, apparently I messed something up and will need to revisit this again. At least I can drive it around normally and not staying stuck in 4 all the time. Again, the transmission confirmed this by not shifting into 4 or 1.

This vehicle does have 297k miles so things are wearing out as they should. Has anyone had this issue before?

Thanks for any insights.

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Looking at your shifting issue I wondered if me having to work to shift over far enough to shift back into reverse could be related. It’s like something is blocking the move over most of the time vs “all” and back into reverse feels normal.

I was able to un-snap pull most of the console components out. I did not appear to get the good view you showed. Do you know of a youtube Link that will show how to get down to where you were in a 2007 T4R SR5 V6 2WD Automatic? Were there some bolts or nuts involved to get to that point?

The Console is sealed good from bulky items but I did find a penny back away from the shifting mechanics that I could not get a good clean view of. At 54,000 mi I hate to think it is a wear issue vs Lub or Interference (that I might be able to shift and see). What is your Opinion?

Thanks For Any Help!

PS. That's a good Pic! I feel you will spot your problem which could be some age on a switch at that mileage.

i'll post up some pics that may help! I did this couple of months ago and took the pics just for my own info but some of them may trigger something.

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There's a good number of people who report a reluctance to go into "D" after backing up - I've experienced this a bunch. Back up, put it in "D" and the truck just sits there. I wonder if it is related to what you found, OP.

Based on my experience with this issue, seems like D and L are electronically controlled, not simply mechanically controlled. This is just an assumption for now due to the fact that the lever moves from fore to aft and the shift cable is physically moving through the various gears. However, the D and L and left to right movement so my guess is that these two positions are electronically controlled.

Can someone verify this?

A good view of what was as far as I was able to get is the 2nd attachment. Seeing that you removed the pin that I felt was a rear pivot pen, I should be able to rem the pin and get the good view of the mechanics.

I am concerned as to what is controlled electronically or mechanically. Such as: is my lack of moving over to the reverse a mechanically or electrical issue? Once I get over to the slot I have always been able to move back into reverse with no resistance.

The Reverse Switch got my attention today after 20 tries to get over to the slot and back to reverse. I located a mirror to show my brake light was off or On when I was braking and c/n get over to get into reverse. Naturally I had a brake light showing and got into reverse 20 tries. LOL! I know my morning will come that I can not instantly get into reverse and my garage post or wall should verify I have brake lights.

If I find no brake lights related to not being to move over to the reverse position, I know where the brake light switch is and will visit it. I doubt what I am experiencing is new but I have not found any related info.

Thanks for all your Pics and help and any help from others that have experienced this.