Shifter "locking" in Park

[misslily]

Last week I began having problems with the shifter locking in PARK. Vehicle started fine, but the release button wouldn't unlock the shifter to allow me to shift to reverese or drive.

Today I was stuck for about 40 minutes until the lock suddenly released and I was able to drive home. Any words of wisdom out there?

Still under warranty.

 

[Border411]

try kicking it. it works for me when my wife wont get out of park! j/k!

 

[mikes4runner]

What year?

If it is under warrenty take it in.

You did put your foot on the brake to be able to shift it out of park right?

Am I missing something?

 

[misslily]

Border 411y funny! - but NOT helpful!

mikes4runner
2001 year/ yes have brake engaged, standard starting procedures - yes, will return to dealer as still under warranty, but looking to see if anyone else has experience with same problem.

 

[MicaBlue03]

misslily, you may be able to avoid being stuck in park when this happens again. I'm not familiar with the 2001 model, but believe there's a little cover (usually on the console) somewhere near the shifter that conceals a button that defeats the brake-shifter interlock. You pop off this cover and press the button beneath to release the interlock even if the brake isn't pressed.

This might not work in your case--it depends on where the fault is. Specific directions on doing this are in the operating manual

Of course, you may have already tried this.

 

[misslily]

Thanks MicaBlue03, I'll try it.