Can't put my 4r in park or reverse!

[T4R_Bass]

I Just got home from work and I drove in 4wd because its snowing but I wanted to back in incase it snowed overnight.. well It wouldnt let me put it in reverse. the shifter would not go higher than neutral. I can drive forward and go in second and low ( It's an automatic ), but I can't go into park or reverse. So I tried clicking the button ( I was in high4 the whole time ) and I need to move forward for it to stop flashing so I had to detour through my neighbors yard and take out one of their plants lol but at least Im back on the road facing forward. Now I can't turn my keys all the way because I can't put it in park. The ignitions off but I think the battery is still on cause my digital clock is lit up. I dont think this will kill my battery so I have it off in neutral and with the emergency break on so hopefully it wont kill my battery and then Im driving it in to the shop in the morning. any suggestions?

a mechanic i talked to said it might be the solenoid ?

 

[empty403]

Here's a stupid question - are stepping on the brakes and pressing the button on the shifter? If you did, have you tried depressing the "Shift Lock" button? The button is on top left on the shifter console and you may need to remove a small cover, with a screw driver, to get access it. Good luck.

 

[runnyrunnerton]

happened to me before too. make sure you push the 4wd shifter all the way out of 4wd. If you see the A/T light you havent done it yet but that light is not always a great indicator of being out of 4wd. sounds like your stuck between gears.,

had mine towed to the house scared to death i was going to have to learn transmission work overnight. rammed the 4wd shifter home (back) in my case and she hasnt missed a beat in 6K miles.

 

[Baja Runner]

Also check that the linkage underneath the vehicle that goes to the auto tranny did not come loose. I've seen this happen. (It happened to me). Its just usually the adjusting nut.

 

[4Runner_Dedham_MA]

This is the 1st time I ever experienced the problem putting the car into park or reverse.
The road conditions were wet snow and icy for the entire trip. The car could go into neutral and drive 1 & 2. I was able to turn the car off but not remove the key. The next day the weather was warmer and I was able to drive the car. It has been 3 weeks since then and I have not had any problems.

After using the 4 wheel drive traveling from Providence to Boston 50 minutes approx. drive time, travel speed was 30-50 mphs.

Other than the linkage any other ideas of why

 

[Pikeman]

Yes you got snow packed up around the linkage and it is what was keeping the shifter from moving into park or reverse.

 

[Yoterman87]

Check amd see if you have brake lights when pushing the brake. it might be a brake switck, it shound control the shift interlock. i am a hyundai tech and it happens all the time on hyundai's they cant make a brake switch to save their lives.