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2001 automatic 4runner stuck in park

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Longboredin530, Sep 21, 2024.

  1. Sep 21, 2024 at 10:30 AM
    #1
    Longboredin530

    Longboredin530 [OP] New Member

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    My 4runner won't go into drive or reverse or anything the vehicle stability control off light is on as well as the vsc trac light and the abs light also the E-Brake is on as well but NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I've checked fuses change the ecu-ig fuse cuz it was blown. But I don't know what to do next
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2024
  2. Sep 23, 2024 at 3:11 PM
    #2
    BenR2

    BenR2 New Member

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    Have you tried the shifter lock release button? It should be on the top right of shifter base
     
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  3. Oct 1, 2024 at 1:45 PM
    #3
    Longboredin530

    Longboredin530 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah that works but those lights are still on. I tried to move it after pushing the white nob it moves but is it safe to drive? What is cause the fuse to get blown every time?
     
  4. Oct 1, 2024 at 1:47 PM
    #4
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

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    I believe this points to a neutral safety switch. Others will confirm.
     
  5. Oct 1, 2024 at 1:55 PM
    #5
    Longboredin530

    Longboredin530 [OP] New Member

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    How to be sure without replacing parts I don't need to? The truck starts fine and I can drive it (not sure safety) after pressing the shifter release button. A co worker told me there might be a exposed wire somewhere near the Ignition.
     
  6. Oct 1, 2024 at 2:37 PM
    #6
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    That or cable adjustment. Pretty common failure for an older vehicle.
     
  7. Oct 1, 2024 at 4:40 PM
    #7
    Longboredin530

    Longboredin530 [OP] New Member

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    Would that trigger all those lights? And power windows won't work
     
  8. Oct 1, 2024 at 5:04 PM
    #8
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    I'm not sure because I've never had it happen on a 4R, only some other aging vehicles (a '76 Nova and an '86 Accord). The Nova didn't have any power anything or any traction features. The Accord had power windows, but no traction control or ABS. I've seen it on older cars, too.
     
  9. Oct 1, 2024 at 7:04 PM
    #9
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    So you have a fuse that blows all the time? Then you need to look at that the wiring diagram for that circuit and see what's on it. You need to fix that ASAP and forget anything else.

    A shifter cable adjustment isn't going to cause a fuse to blow.
     
  10. Oct 1, 2024 at 7:15 PM
    #10
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

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    That's true. Although there may be more than one problem to solve, the fuse takes precedence.
     
  11. Oct 1, 2024 at 8:05 PM
    #11
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    For sure. But best to start at the top.

    So here is a diagram of that fuse. I think if there is a short in the YELLOW wire that goes to the Junction Connector or to the Air Bag Sensor Assembly, that fuse would blow. It will blow before any of the other fuses closer to the battery.

    upload_2024-10-1_22-49-24.png

    Here it is again...but going to the antenna control relay?...still a Yellow wire:

    upload_2024-10-1_22-57-20.png

    ...and for good measure it looks like it's also going to the Body ECU (shown) and Back door ECU (not shown)...all YELLOW wires:

    upload_2024-10-1_23-1-41.png

    ...and why not. Let's all go to the Shift Lock control computer too:

    upload_2024-10-1_23-3-33.png
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2024
    AuSeeker likes this.
  12. Oct 1, 2024 at 8:07 PM
    #12
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    So maybe focus on the wiring to the Shift Controller computer? Look for burned up junctions, etc. They tend to melt and get hot when there's a short. My guess is a yellow wire somewhere is rubbing on a piece of metal and grounding.
     
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  13. Oct 1, 2024 at 8:25 PM
    #13
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Found something similar:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-ig-15a-fuse-problem.580259/#post-19424229

    I would def look at the wiring around the shift control. I think it's a box under the shifter housing. Disconnect it and see if the fuse stops blowing. It's possible that the control is bad and not the wiring. If no dice, you go item by item looking at that yellow wire to each one and disconnect each one until you stop blowing fuses. Also use good fuses and not cheap ones. The cheap ones off from Amazon are known to blow at 20-30A even if they are rated 10A. A good way to burn your car down.
     
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  14. Oct 1, 2024 at 8:41 PM
    #14
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    There should be a locking mechinism at the shifter. If your brake lights dont work it wont let you put it in gear. Just remove it.
     

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