Help! Can't shift out of park! (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Threads
8
Messages
58
Location
Fayetteville, Ark
Like the title says--I can't shift out of park! The button on the shifter won't press in. I'm guessing its the solenoid (or whatever it is) that allows the button to be pressed in when you press the brake pedal.

Anybody had this happen?

I have a '94 factory service manual, but am having a hard time figuring out where to start looking. Luckily it happened at my house, but I'm parked sideways in my driveway...

Can anyone point me in a direction?
 
Above the shift lever there is a small cover you need to pop off, under that cover is a button you need to press. Use a screwdriver or something similar.
 
There should be a cap to pull off near the shifter. Take it off and put a pen of screwdriver down the hole then shift.
 
Is your tail or brake light fuse blown?

Do you have a burned out brake light?

Check those easy things before you get too worried.

Also, follow the instructions about releasing the shifter to get moving right now. Doc has it right.
 
You guys are awesome! Next question, how do I fix it? What was it that likely broke or quit working?

I moved the Cruiser to a better spot, but it still requires me to stick something down in there to get it out of park.
 
if your brake lights or turn signals are out just as previously posted could be the brake fuse
mine was shorting out b/c of the hitch plug making metal to metal contact on the hitch

search my post regarding this
 
I had the same thing happen. I uninstalled the 90's cell phone kit, and I couldn't shift, and I didn't have any brake lights.


It's gotta be a fuse.
 
Same happened to me it was a fuse.
 
ditto x 14? Rerouted tailpipe, shorted out trailer lights, freaked me out cause of where I was when it happened.
 
Unlike all of you, I had the shift-lock solenoid that was out--underneath the shift column.

Haven't gotten around to fixing it and it is a nice theft deterrant.

I use a carpenter's pencil in the manual override slot--no one has any idea what it is for.

:doh:

-onur
Corrales, NM
 
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO POSTS ON HERE! I just rewired my trailer and obviously screwed something up. Then, plugged it into my land Cruiser and POW...no blinkers, no shifting out of park. Thought is was the aftermarket keyless entry system/alarm and tried monkeying with that. No luck. Thought I was hosed, and headed to the dreaded shop/dealership to get raked over the coals. Then, turned to my trusted forum and found the answer!! I replaced both blinker/brake fuses and good to go. Now, I just need to figure out my sloppy rewiring on the trailer (I replaced a broken rear light--complete Autozone unit with 6-function including brake/turn signal. Thought it'd be an easy swap...something went wrong.) Anyways, THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE! This site and YotaTech for our 4Runner have been lifesavers!
 
Had this happen to me late last night in a deserted parking lot in the snow. Jammed the shift to drive to make it home to discover the brake/turn signals also out. By luck, checked the fuses and they were blown. Replaced them and the shift depressed, but this afternoon started to lock out again (without blown fuses) so I used the pencil go-around trick. I will bird dog the steering column solenoid, any observations on this process are appreciated. Thks.
 
For future reference.

MOR1.jpg


MOR2.jpg


MOR3.jpg
 
Thanks for the pics. Still bird dogging the overall issue as the fuses keep blowing...so a pencil it is!
 
When fuses are blowing like that it's almost always the trailer harness. Look for a pinch or chafe somewhere in it's length. It shouldn't be hard to find.
 
Damn Drew, I was thinking that Avatar sure looks like the Sierras... then I see you're a Sac guy. Makes sense!
 
Damn Drew, I was thinking that Avatar sure looks like the Sierras... then I see you're a Sac guy. Makes sense!

Yep-That's years ago right at the top of Big Sluice. THat's my 40 that Cruiserdan managed to lean into a very helpful rock!
 
Yep-That's years ago right at the top of Big Sluice. THat's my 40 that Cruiserdan managed to lean into a very helpful rock!
:lol: Classic, never heard that story of origin.
 

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