Shifter problems

[khymel5]

Hi folks,

I've been pining for a Land Cruiser for many years, and last week I finally picked up a black 2007 LX470 with 100k miles. Everything has been great so far. Changed all the fluids, greased driveshaft, changed filters, etc. It was garage kept for its whole life and looks great.

I noticed some strange behavior with the shifter a few days ago. Sometimes, when the physical shifter would be in D, the dash lights would indicate 3, or 4, or other times no lights at all. There seems to be a "sweet spot" where if the shifter is slightly forward of the true D position (halfway between D and neutral), then everything works and the dash indicates D. If I pull it all the way down into D, it will indicate 3 or 4 or nothing at all. It feels mechanically "weird" around the N/D/4 position....like it doesn't want to click into place solidly.

A few days after I noticed this, I got a CEL with code P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction). This toyota tech info link is saying that this code is caused when the ECM detects multiple inputs from the shifter position switch simultaneously, or no inputs. So, given the symptoms, it makes sense that I'm hitting code P0705.

I can't find much info about this code online. My first though would be to replace the Park/Neutral Position Switch, but given that it's a $200 part, I figured I'd ask the experts before I spend money on it.

 

[tacoduck]

bump for you. No clue, never heard of this.

 

[2001LC]

Transmission Control Switch (D position) may be dirty or loose. Start by getting a good electrical contact cleaner that's safe for plastic. Spray into area under shifter, through slot shifter lever goes through while shifting may be your best access. You may get lucky.

Next I'd try pulling apart consul: Checking that Transmission Control Switch is properly secured & clean (spills). Along with all mounts/parts in consul (under shifter) and of the position indicator housing.
From 04 FSM

 

[khymel5]

Thanks 2001LC! I'll give this a try when I get homer

 

[khymel5]

Thanks 2001LC! I didn't realize there were multiple different sensors to detect the shift knob position. I only knew about the Park/Neutral Position Switch which is down on the trans iirc. I'll see about pulling the console apart after work today and seeing if the previous owner spilled anything down there. I'll report back with pictures.

Curiously, after clearing the CEL and going for a long drive yesterday, the problem disappeared. I can't even reproduce the state where the dash lights show an incorrect state. Now that I think back, it first happened after a long drive in the rain, but it didn't happen yesterday when it was dry.

 

[2001LC]

Water...Rain.. this could be very different issue.

Water getting in around windshield is all to common, and becoming more frequent as our 100's age.
The water get's into side cowling block, wires, fuse block, etc... It has been causing all kinds of strange problems.

Also make sure all connection (relays, wire blocks, plugs & bolts) on transmission are tight, including in back of engine on bell housing where massive wire blocks are.

 

[khymel5]

Update: pulled off the center console tonight and had a look around. Doesn't look like there were any spills. The 4-D trans control switch was still well greased and operating smoothly. Unplugged all the electrical connectors I could find, and there was no corrosion. I did find the VAIS iPod integration unit that the previous owner had installed.


It looks like the two switches in the floor shift assembly are only for detecting 4 -> D and 2 -> L. In other words, they're sensors that detect the horizontal position of the shifter. Where is the sensor that detects the forwards vs. backwards position of the shifter? Is it the Park/Neutral safety switch on the transmission itself? I think this is part # 8454004010.

 

[dallasag]

I’m curious how this was resolved. I’m having semi similar problems and the dealer claims it’s the 4-d switch and is recommending $2k to replace the entire shifter assembly.

 

[gatormark91]

I’m curious how this was resolved. I’m having semi similar problems and the dealer claims it’s the 4-d switch and is recommending $2k to replace the entire shifter assembly.

Best solution - don't go to that dealership anymore, ever again. That is highway robbery, find yourself a local mechanic.

Many dealerships don't want to work on sub-assemblies that they can remove and replace for $$$$, because there is no markup on parts when a tech spends a bunch of time troubleshooting problems like that. They know 100% that replacing the whole shifter assembly will solve the issue, when replacing a switch will PROBABLY fix it, but not 100% for sure. If it's not fixed, they are on the hook for the labor the customer will have felt was 'wasted'.

Telling you it's $2k is their polite way of telling you to bugger off, they don't want to work on your old truck. If you go away, fine, and if you pay, even better for them. If your dealership is managed that way (and sounds like it is), you WILL get screwed every time they touch your Cruiser for anything more involved than an oil change.

 

[brownfox]

I’m chasing this right now. P0500 and P0705.

This started right after I pulled the shift assembly and put it back together. No dash indicator lights, no speedo, rear camera isn’t being detected, drives fine and shifts fine but can’t select gears.

Driving in 1st it shifts like it’s in drive.

Unfortunately, I had everything apart chasing a potential water leak because my hazards got stuck on and security light was solid the other day. So I have multiple issues at the moment.

Any advice or words or encouragement?