First Post …. Strange Issue (1 Viewer)

[PMaCC]

Great forum! First time posting. I have a’97 FJ80 - 40th Anniversary. -260k miles. Love it!!
I’m having an issue - when I press the button on gear shift lever to allow shifting out of (and back to) Park, the heat / ventilation and radio stop working.
To clarify - when in Park, everything works fine - e.g. ventilation fan running; radio works. As soon as I press the “thumb” button to engage the gear shift (and before the gearshift has been moved), the ventilation fan turns off, as does the radio. If the button is released with the gearshift in Park, the fan and radio go back on. If the button is released while in a gear or neutral, the fan / radio do not turn back on. So, when driving, the fan (heat or AC) does not work unless in Park. Not good for the Maine winter…
I’ve searched this forum and google but couldn’t find any info on this issue. I’ve checked all the connections to the radio and ventilation modules and seem ok. I’ve also partly disassembled the gearshift assembly but have not seen any obvious culprit. That said, electrical is not my strength ; )
Greatly appreciate any insights!! Thanks

 

[ppc]

@PMaCC , That button is a mechanical release of the shifter and not electrically controlled. There is a shift lockout solenoid that requires pressing the brake pedal to release the shifter. Are you pressing the brake pedal before trying to shift? I would first check all the fuses in the fuse block next to your left knee are intact, not just visually but use a multimeter to verify. Next would be to remove the center console around the shifter and inspect the wiring. Is the overdrive off switch functioning properly.

Your model is an FZJ80 93-97 not an FJ80 91-92

 

[BILT4ME]

If it indeed is related to the brake pedal being depressed (brake lights) it could be a grounding issue.

Do you have LED bulbs in for brake lights or backup lights? Those have been known to cause odd issues.

I discovered every time I placed my shifter in reverse,y radio lost signal. That was missing bolts in the antenna bracket inside the fender and was a grounding issue.

So, check the 6 ground points under the hood as well as on the frame in the rear.

Also replace the fusible links because they're cheap and easy and can fix power issues.

 

[NeverFinis]

Electrical issues tend to be related to grounds. They all share the same ground, ID. Left Kick Panel. Check it. They also share the same junction connector, J7. Inspect that as well. Use an Ohm meter and check for resistance to ground.

 

[PMaCC]

Thanks all for the responses! I'll be digging into this tomorrow.
@ppc - thanks for the correction on the model ; ) I'll check the fuses. I have removed the console around the shifter, and from what I can tell, the wiring is OK. I think the OD Off is working but will verify. I have definitely been pushing the brake pedal to go into gear - it won't go without brake. But the brake pedal is not what causes the heat / radio to go off - that seems clearly tied to when I push the button on the gear shifter.
@BILT4ME and @NeverFinis - great idea re: checking the grounds. I forgot that I had an issue w/ the brake lights a couple of years ago - I got it fixed and don't recall details but think it was a ground issue. I don't think LED bulbs were used but will check.
Thanks again - will report out.

 

[alia176]

Glad you got a good starting point. It'd be helpful for you to update your signature line with the vehicle info as that helps out tremendously.

I can't recall but when you push on the brake (first), then push the thumb button on the shifter, do you hear a CLICK ? I can't recall if I do or not and I'm at work but part of me thinks I'm used to hearing a subtle click before I shift out of P.