Can not shift into drive!!!!

[4runny]

So today I was driving in my 96 auto limited edition runner to the store ,after an hour or so, hopped back in and was going home. Started the runner, stepped on the brake, and put it in reverse. Well it well not go past the PARK. So I thought I didn't press on the brake. I repeated the steps again and nothing. Still couldn't put it in drive or reverse. Got out and check all the fuses. None of the fuses blown. So I had to switch by using the shift lock reset that's next to the shifter. Yes, it works but I would like to shift like a normal person. What can be wrong? I am out of ideas. I am now rely on this wonderful site to give me a hand.

One more thing.... I have an automatic starter and when I turn on the car with with the automatic starter, and press the brake, IT DOES NOT SHUT OFF like it should.

 

[Rock Slide]

Depress you brake pedal and have some one stand at the rear of your vehicle to check if either brake light is out. If so, then the vehicle will not shift out of park.

 

[bgmac]

I also had this happen not to long ago and I also had the same remote start issue. Start checking your fuses under the hood and below your steering wheel. i.e your mainly looking for brake light, tail light, ecu-b, & ignition fuses. Replace any that are blown and your problem will be solved. On a side note, keep in mind that you are more than likely driving around with no tail lights if you are using the shift lock override!!

 

[juiceboxer]

It could also be possible that the brake sense wire from the remote start came disconnected, possibly disconnecting the factory brake wire as well.

 

[Pikeman]

As with all the other replies it is possibly the brake sensor or bad brake light. I had this happen on my Honda Odyssy van and it turned out to be the brake pressure switch had gone bad and was simple inexpensive fix.

 

[Stick Figure]

i'm going to guess that everything toyota did is just fine. I will be that the remote start was installed w/ a "T" tap, which is known for breaking the wire that they tap. i would check that connection. Just follow the brake pedal up to the switch and probe both sides of the switch w/ a volt meter, or test light, one side will have power to it, the other will have power when the pedal is pressed. Then make sure the power makes it to the other side of the tap. When you fix it, i would recommend soldering it, but if you must a good splice connection would probably work as well.

 

[4runny]

Thanks for all the reply.
it turns out to be a burnt bulb

MOD you can close this thread.

 

[Charlee78]

Just for some knowledge, what bulb??

 

[4runny]

Right side taillight bulbs blew, I mean literately cracked. Don't ask me how it happen but it did. I think my trailer had something to do with it. Maybe the ground wire on my trailer fell off.

 

[bgmac]

Right side taillight bulbs blew, I mean literately cracked. Don't ask me how it happen but it did. I think my trailer had something to do with it. Maybe the ground wire on my trailer fell off.

Lol, I went threw the same thing. Borrowed my buddies pos trailer and ended up in the same situation.

 

[Stick Figure]

a bad bulb shouldn't cause that problem.

 

[Rock Slide]

a bad bulb shouldn't cause that problem.

I agree...but that's how Toyota engineered it. They obviously don't want you driving w/ a tail light bulb blown.


4runny, glad to see it was an easy fix for you. Same thing happened to my buddy while he was towing a trailer. Trailer harness was faulty and caused the brake light bulb to blow.

 

[Fleece Johnson]

Happened to me last night!

Just had this happened to my '97 last night. I checked the fuses and brake light bulbs. I have a remote start/alarm on my 4runner too. Can you tell me where is this connector that could have gone bad and disabled the factory brake as well?

 

[rdgt4r]

Try unlocking the shifter? you lift up that little bulge on the trim bezel and unlock the shifter should be in your Owners Manual.

 

[Fleece Johnson]

Try unlocking the shifter? you lift up that little bulge on the trim bezel and unlock the shifter should be in your Owners Manual.

Already did that to get it home last night. Just trying to get to the root cause....

 

[rdgt4r]

Already did that to get it home last night. Just trying to get to the root cause....

How does the linkage form the trans to the shifter feel?

 

[Fleece Johnson]

How does the linkage form the trans to the shifter feel?

Feels just like normal. No abnormal clicks or noises either.

 

[Fleece Johnson]

I looked underneath at the wiring for the remote start but couldn't really make heads or tails of it. Its just a rats nest of wires. Can anyone point me in the right direction?