Changed the light bulb and now key won't come out

[ryankmasuda]

So today I finally got to changing the light that illuminates the shifter selection and when i put it all back together my key wouldn't come out of the ignition. The key won't turn all the way so that I can remove it from the ignition. I opened it back up to see if I unplugged anything and everything is plugged it. I found one plug to the left of the shifter and i unplugged it and my key was able turn to the lock position and the key came out. I then connected the wire I had unplugged and the same thing happened. I took a picture below of the white plug on the left. Has anyone had this happen to them before? Is there a way to fix this. I left the connection unplugged to remove my key but I'm not sure if this is ok to leave unplugged. I took a picture below for reference.

<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/?action=view&current=4runner.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/4runner.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[Trevloc]

i have no idea about that plug but it happened to my friend when it wasnt all the way in park. that could have been the plug telling your car it is/isnt in park and when you unplugged it, it let the key come out. but thats just a guess. i have no idea.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

i had the same exact thing happen to me when i was re-doing my lights. I just hope you didn't do what i did... LOL

Did you try to unscrew the actual shifter handle? If you did then you have a problem with the neutral safety switch and unless your very familiar with adjusting it your gonna have to take it in to the dealership. its a $90 fix.

 

[ryankmasuda]

I unscrewed the hand but kept it in the same position the whole time. I'm able to shift into R,N,D,D2,D1 and everything works. I'm going wheeling tomorrow so I hope everything is fine until I get home

 

[ryankmasuda]

Problem Solved

Hi you guys & girls


So I had some problems awhile back with my shifter. I couldn't shift into PARK or "L" since January. I called Toyota and the shifter assembly runs $350 new. I've been looking around on Craigslist and different salvage yards and I finally got the assembly for $40 plus shipping from a member who was parting out a 4runner. Today I finally got around to replacing it.

It was super easy. It took me about 30 minutes and I'm so glad to have my "Park" and "L" back. I wish I had taken more pictures but if anyone runs into this problem I'd be glad to help. This forum has helped me out a lot and I'd like to give back.

This is from a 2000 or 2001 with the push button 4WD, I have a 99' 4Runner so it has the standard 4WD shifter.
<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/?action=view&current=IMAG0400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/IMAG0400.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I removed the rubber boot that holds the 4WD shifter to the steel plate that the Automatic shift assembly is attached to.
<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/?action=view&current=IMAG0398.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/IMAG0398.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

8 bolts hold the Auto shift assembly to the transmission tunnel. I removed the bolts and then crawled under the truck and removed one bolt on the shift linkage.
<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/?action=view&current=IMAG0399.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a155/ryankmasuda/IMAG0399.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

If anyone needs a 4WD shifter with the pushbutton then can have it. It comes with the factory plastic connector so it will plug right in. PM me