[smoa1980]

I have a 1997 4runner. I just got back last night, from a long trip where I towed a 1500lbs boat about 600 miles. all seemed well when I got home, but today I went to move it and It was stuck in park. I was able to push the shift lock and get it in drive, but it now I have to push it everytime i want to shift out of park. What would cause this. I know there is a little solenoid that controls it, but what would cause the solenoid not to activate the shift lock. Could the solenoid be bad or is the computer tell it not to activate.

[David D]

Are your brake lights working? I'm fairly new to T4R ownership, but most vehicles use the brake light switch to activate the park shift lock solenoid. Previous experience dictates that that's the first place to look.

[xUSNavy]

Originally posted by David D
Are your brake lights working? I'm fairly new to T4R ownership, but most vehicles use the brake light switch to activate the park shift lock solenoid. Previous experience dictates that that's the first place to look.

Agree. My father's 97 Tacoma wouldn't shift out of park. I found out the fuse to the brake lights and one of the bulbs was blown. Once I replaced the fuse and the light bulb, the problem was gone.
For some reason, if the brake lights or fuses are not functioning, the transmission will not let you shift out of park. So I would check those items first.

[SKO450ES]

I had the same thing happen last year, for me it was the small ECU in the back for the trailer lights that got fubared.

[iceman1wayne]

Originally Posted by SKO450ES

I had the same thing happen last year, for me it was the small ECU in the back for the trailer lights that got fubared.

where is the ECU in the back for the trailer lights located?

[iceman1wayne]

trying to solve the issue after towing utility trailer. shifter locked after parking. lost all crusie ,air,srs, turn signals also. got truck home and went through a few sites. no fuses blown and also changed out the brake control switch. no luck after that. called dealer and says could be wiring fault somewhere. anyone else have any ideas before i get into wiring checks???

[SurferUK]

Originally Posted by iceman1wayne

trying to solve the issue after towing utility trailer. shifter locked after parking. lost all crusie ,air,srs, turn signals also. got truck home and went through a few sites. no fuses blown and also changed out the brake control switch. no luck after that. called dealer and says could be wiring fault somewhere. anyone else have any ideas before i get into wiring checks???

Could it be damaged tow bar wiring/socket? I can't see how a trailer can damage internal wiring etc.