won't shift out of Park - easy stuff checked

[hdcd]

The gf's 2003 4runner won't shift out of Park unless the shift override button is pressed.
Fuses are all good, all lights are working(running, stop, signals). I just replaced the Brake light switch thinking that had to be it - it wasn't.

What else could it be? Been looking at some schematics and there appears to be a shift lock solenoid in the center console. Could this have potentially gone bad? Other thoughts?

Appreciate the help! I'm hoping the gf will thank me too if it's fixed

 

[Tresvn]

I had a similar problem with my 03, but even with the shift override I was stuck in park. I had to force it out of park. I ended up having to change the shift lock actuator. I had a few things done at the time but I think the part alone was $300-$400 through the dealer.
I will try to find my receipt to double check the #"s

 

[fourwd1]

The gf's 2003 4runner won't shift out of Park unless the shift override button is pressed.
Fuses are all good, all lights are working(running, stop, signals). I just replaced the Brake light switch thinking that had to be it - it wasn't.

What else could it be? Been looking at some schematics and there appears to be a shift lock solenoid in the center console. Could this have potentially gone bad? Other thoughts?

Appreciate the help! I'm hoping the gf will thank me too if it's fixed

I've had that problem on other vehicles. Sometimes the easiest fix is to remove the solenoid.

 

[iBison]

I had this on a Grand Prix. I was convinced it was the shift lock solenoid. Took it in for an oil change and the dealer of course thought it was the $550 shifter assembly as that was the most common cause of this (their words obviously).

I picked up a solenoid but the problem turned out to be that a rodent had chewed through some wires that went to the solenoid. A few short splices and good as new.

 

[iBison]

In response to removing the solenoid. On my GP it was mounted on the trans and without it I also had no reverse light and no trunk release as well as auto locking doors.

 

[hdcd]

Thanks for the help guys. Interesting thought iBison. I think im gonna tear into it first before getting the solenoid.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Could be steering lock... I had that problem causing it.

 

[hdcd]

Could be steering lock... I had that problem causing it.

Hey Stuck, how would the Steering Lock interact with the Shift Lock? What caused your issue? What was the fix? Thx!

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Hey Stuck, how would the Steering Lock interact with the Shift Lock? What caused your issue? What was the fix? Thx!

I'm not exactly sure what all had happened, but I had pulled into my buddy's driveway, with the wheels still turned, turned the car off. I went and tried to start the car, and the key wouldn't turn. I just held the shiftlock, put it into reverse, then park again, and the ignition worked again. I'm not sure if this is a related problem, just a tidbit of info I thought I should share. (Mind you, I did try holding the wheel and turning the ignition, but that didn't work either.)

 

[eddiebx]

I'm not exactly sure what all had happened, but I had pulled into my buddy's driveway, with the wheels still turned, turned the car off. I went and tried to start the car, and the key wouldn't turn. I just held the shiftlock, put it into reverse, then park again, and the ignition worked again. I'm not sure if this is a related problem, just a tidbit of info I thought I should share. (Mind you, I did try holding the wheel and turning the ignition, but that didn't work either.)

I don't know if this is similar to how my old Hondas were, but basically if you turn the wheel too much and the steering lock latches on, the locking "paw" (if you will) somehow puts too much tension on the key cylinder. What I needed to do was rotate and hold the steering wheel a little bit more so that the lock is not resting against the paw, and then the key would turn fine. Might be totally irrelevant here though

OP, have you tried to access the solenoid and just manually pulse it with power to see if it works? Might help you eliminate one variable before going on a wild goose chase