Transmission question

[LawlerClan]

I have a 2004 DC Tacoma 3.4 L auto (yes, in expo white) with about 90k miles on it. Today, for no appearant reason it didn't want to let me shift it out of park. The button on top of the shifter wouldn't depress for some reason. Truck was running with my foot on the brake. It is completely stock and mostly highway miles.

Any ideas? It first happened on mile 30 of a 200 mile trip and has happened every time since.

TIA
Chip

 

[Mr. Leary]

I remember having a glitch similar to this when I did some re-wiring to pull a trailer.

Check your brake lights.

There is a circuit that goes to ground when the brake is depressed. The connection may be loose. Pull up the cup holder and the plate over the shifter and check the ground wires. If that doesn't work, check your wiring in the rear. There is a small black box (about 4"x3"x1/2") back there somewhere ( In my 4Runner it was in the rear driver panel) that can short out. If it has, you will not have brake lights, and it will not let you shift out of park.

EDIT: Check out e-trailer wiring harness.

 

[rdgt4r]

I second Mr. Leary. Common cause of this issue.

 

[Loober]

nah man you need a new tranny

 

[LawlerClan]

Blown fuse

It was a blown fuse for the brake lights. Probably caused by the lights I have mounted on the receiver hitch rack. I have used the rack a lot lately in in the snow and probably have a short somewhere there.

Thanks everyone.

Chip

 

[Mr. Leary]

haha... or check the fuse! Doh! Glad it was that easy.

Have fun!

 

[LawlerClan]

I was glad it was easy as well. Just didn't have any idea the tranny and brake lights were connected. Glad I asked.:victory: