Strange Transmission Problem

[A2toHgt]

Hello all, got a strange issue with the transmission in ky '99 limited. After a long drive yesterday, my car wouldn't go into reverse. I tried it again, and it will reverse but requires a lot of throttle... it feels like the brakes are on. Neutral is also a problem. Iin N, the car creeps forward as if it's in low gear. Drive and park work fine.

After getting home, I checked fluid and saw no issues. I also scanned for codes and saw none. Next, I hit the transmission override button next to the shifter. Reverse and neutral magically work again.

Unfortunately, the problem ocurred again on after a long drive this morning. The bypass did the trick again, but I want to get to the bottom of this issue. Any ideas what this might be? Anyone know precisely what the shiter override button does?

Thanks.

 

[pauldub]

Mine once behaved like this when the emergency brake was adjusted too tight.

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

Possibly worn shift linkage bushings? Maybe you think you're in gear but you aren't due to the linkage being sloppy?

 

[A2toHgt]

Thanks all. Anyone know what the override button by the shifter does?

 

[pauldub]

There is no override button; however, there is an O/D OFF button on the side of the shifter knob. Maybe you have an owner's manual or can download it from Toyota?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thanks all. Anyone know what the override button by the shifter does?

It turns off overdrive, which is the "4th gear" our autos have.

Check to make sure your 4Runner has enough fluid, so get it hot and the fluid should be between the hot marks on the dipstick. Then put it on a white towel and compare fluid color. If too dark, replace the fluid with a series of 2-3 drain and fills, easily done at home.

 

[A2toHgt]

Hey guys, I'm talking about the concealed button just to the left of the PRNDL, not the O/D button. You need to pop off the tiny plastic cover to access it. This is what got my transmission working properly again.

It turns off overdrive, which is the "4th gear" our autos have.

Check to make sure your 4Runner has enough fluid, so get it hot and the fluid should be between the hot marks on the dipstick. Then put it on a white towel and compare fluid color. If too dark, replace the fluid with a series of 2-3 drain and fills, easily done at home.

 

[spartacus]

Hey guys, I'm talking about the concealed button just to the left of the PRNDL, not the O/D button. You need to pop off the tiny plastic cover to access it. This is what got my transmission working properly again.

I think it's the shift lock override button. you press it with a screwdriver when you cannot engage the shifter. that could indicate worn shift linkage bushing
.edit. I have only seen those on a 4th gen 4runner.