Fix for play in automatic shifter (gear selector)

[xcmountain80]

I have a 2002 auto 4Runner with ohhhh 317K on her and things show some wear from time to time. The gear selector is loose when in park and in gear, has anyone been able to get the play out of the unit? There isn't any slop in the linkage that I can tell.

Aaron

 

[Crashnrondo]

The pictures are gone but this might help. Post back your results if you do this.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/127999-auto-shifter-rattles-moves-around-lot.html

 

[MONTYMTB]

I need to do this fix as well. Here's a thread on YT with pics and detailed instructions:
Sloppy automatic shifter - YotaTech Forums

 

[Ruiner]

i updated the pic links on my thread

 

[Ruiner]

be sure the E-brake is on and you chock the wheels before you start messing with it, you dont wanna run yourself over

 

[01thunder]

is it the same part for normal 2wd trucks?

 

[01thunder]

took care of problem today and it feels great. let's see how long they last.

 

[MONTYMTB]

took care of problem today and it feels great. let's see how long they last.

Me too. Sure is nice not having to listen to it over every little bump in the road.

 

[Joelev]

be sure the E-brake is on and you chock the wheels before you start messing with it, you dont wanna run yourself over

QFT. I forgot to put the e-brake on today when I was screwed around in there and nearly sent my truck down a hill. Had to jump into the side and mash the brakes.

 

[atalarico]

How long did it end up taking you guys to fix this? As much as I want to do this fix, the real question is "Do I *have* to do this fix?"

I have a lot of other maintenance priorities on my runner, and I'm wondering if I need to prioritize this one.

Thanks!

 

[Joelev]

On my automatic, I could only easily get to the top ones. (I'm still not sure the lower one is that necessarily after doing the top one.)

If you've taken the plastic and leather cover off before, you can probably do the whole thing in 20 minutes, start to finish. It took me like 45, but that was me reaching underneath and trying to get through the rubber cover on the lower ones before giving up.

 

[4RunnerKyle]

I did this about a month ago.... 30 minutes and all 4 bushings were replaced and buttoned up... Feels super solid now... Also solved my issue of getting the keys stuck in the ignition all the time because it caused the safety switch to miss the latch as well

 

[TXLX1]

Thanks for this. There were no bushings left in mine. I had to remove the shifter assembly (unbolt from transmission linkage) to replace 4 bushings. Could be a 30 minute repair with hand tools.

 

[Deesh]

did this the other day, took maybe 35min never having taken apart the panels before. my (new to me) 98 SR5 is a 2WD and only needs 2 bushings FYI. works great now, feels solid and doesn't make any noise! Definitely worth doing if you got $5 and 45 min to kill.

 

[Oxbowt4r]

Reviving an old thread.

I got my bushing in but in reassembly my engage button isn’t working. Can’t get it to unlock without using the bypass insert and it won’t lock in gears.

I’m about to go nuts and throw it in the river. Any ideas.

 

[phattyduck]

Everything plugged in? Key in the ON position and foot on the brake? (sorry, just checking the obvious)

-Charlie

 

[Oxbowt4r]

Everything plugged in? Key in the ON position and foot on the brake? (sorry, just checking the obvious)

-Charlie

Holy moly. I’m the biggest dumb **** there ever was.

I didn’ have the harness hooked back up!!!! Works fine now.

In my defense the interior is mostly gutted Igor now to pressure wash the carpet so I wasn’t sitting in the driver seat while I doing the work.

Also the bushings work great.

 

[bdjcl]

I just tried to do this. '98 Limited 4WD. Pulled the entire linkage out. On the right side of the shift assembly there is a white plastic "shield" hanging down that is blocking me from pulling the long bolt out to be able to get the bushings replaced.

It's the shield that's connected to the shift-lock mechanism and I couldn't get it removed. I was able to see the top bushings and they seemed ok, but the shifter is loose. Maybe I'll try again.

 

[BostonJon]

But all 4 bushings and start with the top and see how it feels. My shifter was sloppy as hell and after replacing just the top two it’s tight again.

 

[bdjcl]

But all 4 bushings and start with the top and see how it feels. My shifter was sloppy as hell and after replacing just the top two it’s tight again.

was finally able to do this part. Now I can't get the shit back together without it locking my key in. I unplugged the battery last night to get the key out so I wouldn't drain the battery overnight. From what I can tell, the white "release" is in the correct spot to hit the solenoid and tell the computer to release the key, but it's still not working.

I'm probably going to either have to unplug the computer shift lock controller or disconnect the actual solenoid under the ignition. This is by far the most pain in the ass job I've done on the 4runner so far.