Advice on cleaning the gear-shift mechanism?

[rjfowler]

I've been having the problem recounted in this thread for some time, where periodically I will get three specific warning lights (4-lo blinking, check engine, and traction control). During that time period, the car will not shift into 4-lo and it will not permit manual shifting (the number of the gear does not appear when the shifter is moved left). Also, the gear shifter is harder to move from park into drive when the lights are on. The lights eventually turn themselves off for no apparent reason. I have taken it to a dealership on several occasions, and get random codes (including a park sensor and a problem with the ABS sensors). The only advice a dealership has ever had was to clear the codes and go about my day.

GR8BAY reported that his problem was fixed when the dealership cleaned out the gear-shift mechanism. In light of what is happening to me, this seems to be a potential solution to my problem. The dealership told me that it would cost at least $400 to do that, and kept referring to the mechanism being in the "dash" which did not give me a lot of comfort that he knew what he was talking about.

So I'd like to give this a try myself. Any advice (or diagrams) on how to remove the plastic parts covering the gear-shift mechanism and what to use to clean it out? I have a 2010 Limited.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[rjfowler]

Bump. Thanks in advance.

 

[Intruder]

If you look at the post you referenced he said that the problem was fixed in 45 minutes. I think you need to remove the centre console to get at the parts covering the shifter so there's no way that's what they did. I'd go to a different dealership or talk to a different service writer at your dealership if necessary because a 45 minute fix won't cost $400.

If you want to try fixing it yourself you could try one of those small vacuums for electronics, compressed air, or that slime stuff that you press in and lift out. Not sure if any of those will solve your problem and of course there's always a possibility they could push any debris further in.

 

[rjfowler]

Thanks. Today I found instructions for removing the center console in a post about adding cupholder LEDs, so I'll take that off and see what's in there.

 

[scrapper]

Thanks. Today I found instructions for removing the center console in a post about adding cupholder LEDs, so I'll take that off and see what's in there.

Where? Mine needs an internal cleaning.

 

[GR8BAY]

Defective Neutral Safety Switch

Just had another problem (flashing 4-Lo, check engine, traction control) at 49,100 miles. Dealer identified it as a a defective "neutral safety switch". Repair - parts and labor - $323.52. I had purchased the Toyota Extra Care extended warranty so I paid the $50 deductible. Mechanic said this is the 2nd time he's encountered a defective neutral safety switch in the 4Runner.

 

[rjfowler]

Just had another problem (flashing 4-Lo, check engine, traction control) at 49,100 miles. Dealer identified it as a a defective "neutral safety switch". Repair - parts and labor - $323.52. I had purchased the Toyota Extra Care extended warranty so I paid the $50 deductible. Mechanic said this is the 2nd time he's encountered a defective neutral safety switch in the 4Runner.

This is very helpful, thanks. My lights still come on from time to time.