Locks in Park

[biglar]

A few days ago I began getting an intermittent problem of the auto trans console shift lever in my '02 3.4L Runner locking in park. I managed to get it going the 1st time, then the 2nd it wouldn't budge. I was way out in the boonies and had to disassemble the lock mechanism on the shifter.

Local Toyota specialist 1st showed me where the manual un-lock button is, (wish I'd known there was such a thing) then told me it was caused by the brake light switch and he ordered one for me. That evening I pulled the switch out (Matsu****a) and checked it with an ohmeter and both pairs of terminals checked out good - one pair normally open, the other normally closed.

I've had problems in the past with poor connections, so put the switch back in and put the connector off and on several times to clean the terminals. It worked fine for 2 days, then yesterday it locked again. Once. Since then it's been fine, but I know it's only a matter of time.

Any other ideas on what might be causing this problem ??

Thanks

Lar.

 

[biglar]

I'm surprised and disappointed.

 

[Hepar]

Has it happened again since?

 

[biglar]

Has it happened again since?

No, but then again, I haven't driven it much. Been camping down south with the big truck/camper.

 

[Hepar]

No, but then again, I haven't driven it much. Been camping down south with the big truck/camper.

If it does happen again, look to see if your brake lights are indeed out and take a look at your brake light fuse.

 

[Hepar]

And have you towed anything recently? I've heard stories of people hooking up the lights to a trailer with some faulty wires someplace and it causing a short.

 

[biglar]

I'll have to rig something to hold brake pedal while I check lights, but that's easy enuf. I tow the trailer with my quad on it frequently, both with Runner and truck and there aren't any problems with it. Standard 4 pin connector and new lights and wiring on trailer several months ago.

If/when it comes up again, I'll come back on and let you know. Thanks

Lar.