Odd Shift Lock Issue

[smpsmp]

So I've run into this twice in the last month or so. Each time it was kind of similar scenario of not driving far, and then stopping quick and running in somewhere. Basically each time, pulled into a parking spot, put it in park and set the parking brake, turned car off, and got out. All normal.

When I got back in I started up with no issues, but noticed the shifter was locked into park. Attempted to just rock the car quick, and nothing. Each time had to use the override to unlock it. Not a fuse, as I double checked just in case, but it was two random incidents separated by weeks. Also noticed the brake lights were working since each time it was at night.

Anyone have any ideas on what might have randomly sparked this? Maybe put it in park too quick and something just caught up wrong on the shift lock control? Wasn't sure if they go bad slowly or more of an instant fail.

Thanks for any help.

 

[fkheath]

So I've run into this twice in the last month or so. Each time it was kind of similar scenario of not driving far, and then stopping quick and running in somewhere. Basically each time, pulled into a parking spot, put it in park and set the parking brake, turned car off, and got out. All normal.

When I got back in I started up with no issues, but noticed the shifter was locked into park. Attempted to just rock the car quick, and nothing. Each time had to use the override to unlock it. Not a fuse, as I double checked just in case, but it was two random incidents separated by weeks. Also noticed the brake lights were working since each time it was at night.

Anyone have any ideas on what might have randomly sparked this? Maybe put it in park too quick and something just caught up wrong on the shift lock control? Wasn't sure if they go bad slowly or more of an instant fail.

Thanks for any help.

Are you sure it is the shift lock and not the parking pawl in the transmission? Try changing the sequence when you stop by applying the parking brake BEFORE you shift the transmission into park. That gives less stress on the parking pawl, making it easier to shift out of part when you start up again.

 

[jhguth]

check your brake light fuse

 

[smpsmp]

I've thought about the parking brake, but its not that its hard to shift out of park, it literally is locked (like trying to shift when the car is turned off locked up).

Checked the brake light fuse, its all good. Each time it happened the brake lights were working.

 

[jhguth]

next thing to check would be switch on the brake pedal

 

[seatia]

Chances are high that it is the shift lock solenoid which prevents you from shifting out of park.
The switch on the brake pedal activates this solenoid.

With the key on or running, press the brake pedal multiple times and it may engage the solenoid.

Had to do this many mornings until I could fix it.

 

[Shadytype]

Your story doesnt say anyrhing about you pressing on the brake pedal to shift the car out of park. This is required.

Assuming you are doing this as it is not every time.

I agree with the pawl reccomendation for the trans. Esp if on an incline, which would make sense why you are engaging the parking brake.

Definetly pbrake first, then park. That solenoid isnt too strong to retract against a weighted transmission.

 

[Nobody Special]

Just a note... That may help.
My '02 4R was backed into, hard.
No real damage due to protection, but something happened where I could not shift out of park.
I forgot exactly what I did 17 years ago, but more or less zip-tied the little override lever next to the shifter, up.

Only thing is, it can be shifted into gear without your foot on the brake.

At the time, I remember thinking this was something like the Ford fuel cutoffs, where suspects would back into the police cruisers and disable them by tripping the cutoff.

 

[MAXISTYLES]

I would put the parking brake prior to putting it in park, not the other way around as you mentioned.

 

[smpsmp]

Does anyone know the part number for the shift lock solenoid? I could only find the shift interlock solenoid (part inside the ignition), but nothing for a solenoid under the center console besides the shift lock control computer.

shadytype, I press the brake pedal when shifting.

 

[flyrv9]

What year your is your 4Runner? Some folks with 4Runners (a few years old) that live in snow country have had problems with the shift selector switch (on the side of the transmission) causing hard shifter movement and wrong gear indications; which result in issues similar to the ones you describe. The switch assembly gets corroded from road salt and grime, in part because it's not sealed. There are threads on this you can search for, including one member that removed his and cleaned it (not an easy job) for a temp repair.

 

[smpsmp]

fly, it's a 2017. Gets the normal salt treatment in the winter thanks to Penndot.

 

[flyrv9]

Some folks are reporting a P0705 code with a bad neutral safety switch. I can't find the thread that had the pics (it may have disappeared thanks to the photobucket issue. Googling Toyota 4Runner neutral safety sw should give you some pics. It's on the passenger side of the transmission.