Start and down shift problems

[Cutimbr]

I have a 97 T100 3.4 automatic. My pickup.wont start unless the shift selector is in just the right spot. It used to be just right of park, but not quite in reverse. The sweet spot has since moved down closer to the drive position just right of neutral, but not quite in drive. This occurs most predictably on cold mornings. Once warm it starts in the park and neutral positions as it should. Another symptom, is when I'm driving down steep mtn. roads and don't want to ride the brakes, I shift down to 1 and the gear selector light goes out simultaneously the transmission will go into a sort of limbo, but not quite neutral. After a short delay the gear selector light comes back on and the transmission goes into gear as it should. This delay DOES NOT occur while shifting up, only while down shifting in motion. I should probably mention that I'm not driving fast when this happens, however I have played around with it, and it seems like the faster I'm traveling at the time of the down shift the longer the delay before the shift.


Has anybody else experienced this and what was the problem in your rig?

Thanks, Cutimbr

 

[fourwd1]

Welcome to T4R.
This is a 4Runner forum, so help with a truck problem might be limited.
The New Member area is for introductions, not troubleshooting, so I'll move this to the 3rd Gen section, which would be the closest to your T100.
I'll also delete the duplicate thread you made.

 

[Cutimbr]

Thanks, I've been struggling with this web site, not my thing. I know it's a forerunner site but it was the closest I could find. Same engine and transmission as Forerunner. I thought maybe someone had experienced my symptoms.

 

[Jon]

Neutral start switch. Should be at the base of your shifter, I think. Been a while since I had the A/T. There is definitely something there that is important. There mat be an additional switch on the side of the transmission.

Unless you're towing a heavy load, there's no reason to use the transmission to slow you down. Use the brakes, that's what they're there for.

Check your fluid level with the vehicle at operating temp on level ground. Is the fluid burnt? Brown or a nice clear red? Depending on your mileage, it may be time to change the fluid and filter.

Good luck.

EDIT: here you go http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/119812-99-not-starting-neutral-safety-switch.html