Gear selector moves stiffly, not registering on dash.

The gear shift lever seems stiff to move, and it doesn't seem to register that it's in drive. I physically movde the lever to Drive, and it behaved like it was neutral. I looked at the indicator on the dash, and it went through all the gears till D, then nothing lit up. When I moved the shifter over into S, S4 lit up.

The last time I drove it before replacing the battery, I noticed this, and once I got on the highway I realized that it was not shifting into 5th. This happened once or twice before, a couple months back, but didn't reoccur the next time I used the vehicle so I didn't think much of it.

Anyone encounter this? I'm wondering if it's something underneath that just needs to be lubricated, or if there's a switch in the shifter mechanism that could be faulty.

I recently ran the battery down super low, just replaced it today. I had a CEL, VSC, and MTS not available light, all those went out as soon as I replace the battery. I don't think this is related, since as I said I did have that problem once or twice in the past.

Thanks!

 

Fixed it, mods feel free to delete this post.

I found this video, and this seems to have done the trick.

https://youtu.be/_J78a7rWiIk

 

Please don't delete this topic, it will at some point most likely help another person with this same issue and wouldn't know how to solve it until they saw this topic, this what forums like this is for, looking for help or giving help to others!!

 

Yeah, so reading this thread actually helped me. For quite sometime I have been having a little difficulty shifting from park to reverse. It was just a hard tight shift, is the best way to describe it, especially in colder weather. I just knew it had to go to the dealer before my warranty expires this spring (my 4runner hasn’t seen a dealership since I drove it off the lot) But I’ve been putting it off because I didn’t want them messing with my Tranny or taking my console Apart with the finesse of a Gorilla.
I watched this video, and crawled under the truck today and looked for that similar part. Found it and PB blasted it! And like Magic it’s shifting like butter!

 

Awesome! Glad it helped. Crazy how big a difference just a little PB blaster or WD-40 makes.

It seems like it should be a really common issue, I'm surprised that we don't hear more about it.

 

I agree! Makes me wonder how many people with a similar issue take it to the dealer or a mechanic and have unnecessary work done. Seems like it’s just one of those Toyota design flaws or quirks with an easy fix.
Honestly, I was a little skeptical but hopeful at the same time that this would work. Needless to say I’m grateful now. Thanks for posting it up!

 

I’ve dealt with the same issue on and off for past 3 years. My check engine and Trac Off lights would come on too. Dealership had no idea the cause and local mech mentioned an oil and said bring it back if it still happens. ‍♂️. This seems to occur when the ye truck sits for a weekend or longer. I’m looking forward to trying tomorrow

 

I have had that sludgy feeling for a while - since I bought it in ‘21, but never had the CE or TRAC lights come on.

would be nice to know if you noticed an improvement with the suggested fix here?

 

Thank you so much for the posts. I had all the same issues with the exception of the 4Lo light blinking instead of the other warning lights. The D when it's in drive was also on and off. I used a lubricant spray as well to solve the issue. Shifter is now smooth as butter.

 

Awesome!! Glad it was this simple fix.

 

I’m curious, have you had to re-lube since your initial fix.

 

And, how does lubing the linkage fix the dash light issues?

 

Reading this, I just added some PB blaster to the lock nut, washer and the little shaft on the neutral safety switch.

Is this what we are lubricating on the 4runner, or should I be looking at those linkages under the 4runner as shown in the Tacoma video and lube them.

 

I've had one more occurrence of this issue, but since then whenever I change my oil I've been spraying it and it's been good.

 

Well, if the linkage is stiff, the neutral safety switch is not reading the correct shift position, and triggering the lights. That's the way I figured anyway.

 

Lubing that part of the sensor definitely can't hurt, but when I did mine I've also done the linkage, because I think the linkage being stiff was part of my problem.

One I understand, replacing the switch is a bear because the sensor is pretty much certain to be seized onto the shaft. Every replacement video I've watched had it being cut out. You would think this would be one of those easy jobs, but this is something I would have a shop do.

 

In relation to the neutral switch, where do you you reckon the linkages are?
Also, do you recommend white lithium grease?

I haven't had any problem so to speak and definitely no error codes but I haven't driven another 4runner to gauge if mine is stiff.

 

Please do not pull this thread. This solved this problem for my 2011 4runner. Local mechanic that I trust said he could start replacing parts, but it would be a wildcard. He couldn't figure out why the check engine and trac warning lights were on. Thank you all for the discussion.

 

This works!

Unbelievable. I was ready to have my 4Runner towed to the deanship. Tried this fix and had it functional within minutes.

Thanks

 

Awesome!! Glad you were able to solve that issue so quickly.

 

By "this fix" I assume you are referring to lubricating the shifter linkage?

Welcome to the forum.

 

That's not the signs of a good mechanic, firing up the parts cannon.

 

thanks! @Trail Runnah
@Lc200 I serviced mine for the first time today, linkage is under the driver side halfway down