What is this?

[dwainf]

Hello from the Great White North!

Fairly new to the forum, but a long time cruzerhead. I've had some great help from forum users in the past, now I feel its time to ask a noobie question.

I'm in the process of detailing the interior of my (new to me) 94 (Stock, 123456 miles). In front of the shift indicators on the lower console, there is a small square hole. Looking inside the hole, there is white plastic at the bottom. Is there something missing here? A cover, a switch...

I saw the thread asking about other assorted holes and covers in the dash, but this one didn't seem to be covered. I also searched using "console" and "shifter" with no luck.

The rest of the "clean up" is going without a hitch. Performed some PM with help from the forum. (Front bearings, Intake Hose replacement, stopped the hood flutter with expanding foam,etc.)
Thanks to all that have contributed to these threads.

I hope this isn't that dumb of a question.

 

[Beowulf]

Shift interlock.

You can remove the plug with a flat tipped screwdriver and press the button to enable shifting out of Park in the event of a burned out tail lamp. This is described in the Owner's Manual (OM) for your vehicle. If you don't have one you can get one from Toyota Publications, TIS, or PM CruiserDan.

-B-

 

[dwainf]

Is there supposed to be a plug or a cover?

 

[Beowulf]

Yes.

-B-

 

[GXO]

Sounds like yours may have been pushed through the console.

There are 4 philips head screws that hold that section of the console on (look at the sides, front and rear of the console).

If you take those out you can remove the plastic cover and investigate what happened to your little button

edit: While in there you can also really clean it out and find out what eating habits the previous owner had as you find the fossilized remains of french fries and various other bits of filth. You can also remove the center rear console with the three bolts (one in the front pocket, two in the actual armrest container) and get even more yuckiness out.

 

[Brentbba]

Yes.

-B-

Really? Only owner of my truck and it never had one. I think I should storm right over to the dealer I bought it from 12 years ago and demand the plug.

To expand on B's explanation, if you tail lamp brake light burns out or the fuse for your brake lights blows the truck will not shift from park. It's the trucks way of telling you that there's a potentially dangerous problem. You can stick a small screwdriver down that hole to release the shifter into gear.

 

[Beowulf]

Really? Only owner of my truck and it never had one.

I stand corrected and now have another reason for recommending the vastly superior 95-97 models over the primitive 93-94 models.

-B-

 

[Scamper]

Well I have the vastly superior 97 model and although it did have the plug, the simple act of driving the truck for a few years rendered it as a floating, rattling bit 'o plastic under the cover. I just left deftly removed it when in there a while back, and the rattle is no more

 

[Brentbba]

I stand corrected and now have another reason for recommending the vastly superior 95-97 models over the primitive 93-94 models.

-B-

Superior? I ain't got no silly airbags to slap me in the face and mess around with.

 

[Beowulf]

I ain't got no silly airbags to slap me in the face and mess around with.

Like I said.... primitive 93-94 models.
-B-

 

[Brentbba]

Like I said.... primitive 93-94 models.
-B-

And lovin' it! Who needs any of that new fangled stuff anyway?

 

[dwainf]

Owner's manual for the Crusher is on its way from cruiserparts. Now I can see what "new-fangled" stuff I'm actually missing.