Shifter Changing Prob on Automatic

[Grimmjow]

Hi guys, my '94 cam 2200 4cyl auto started acting goofy when i move the shifter into different gears ie P N D R. Sometimes the engagement light on shifter and Dash lights up. Sometimes it doesn't. Specifically for example the R, when i throw it in reverse. When the light doesn't illuminate red, the white reverse lights don't come on either. So I know the D bulb and other bulbs are fine since the light up sometimes. Can someone help me?

[500KCamry]

Does the transmission shift properly with respect to the shifter position? i.e. When your shifter is in R is the transmission in R, whether or not the R indicator light is on or off?

[Venom_5]

if you wiggle it, it should come on ... this happens to my car when its cold for some reason, just showing its age

[Grimmjow]

yes, the tranny does engage the proper gears. Such as when its in reverse it does go in reverse but the indicators lights do not illuminate. If i do bump it around from the top or wiggle it for a few minutes it does light up momentarily. Or if i move it and hold it slightly between the 2 gears it lights up. I dont really live in cold weather. But I do think its the car showing its age. But I do want it fixed. Its a huge pain trying to reverse out a parking space when no one knows you're reversing.

[500KCamry]

In the center console there's a switch that senses the shifter position. You likely have a loose nut on that switch.

When the shifter in reverse, and the light off (the malfunction present), will the engine crank?

[Grimmjow]

When the shifter in reverse, and the light off (the malfunction present), will the engine crank?

Never tried. But it will drive the car in reverse. So im assuming no crank

[500KCamry]

Originally Posted by Grimmjow

Never tried. But it will drive the car in reverse. So im assuming no crank

The same switch in the center console senses park and neutral the only two shifter settings where the engine starter will engage and crank. If the switch is faulty or a nut loose so that the shifter position is not being sensed properly, the engine could crank in other settings other than P and N.

Anyhow, I think you need to access the center console to check if its mechanical (nuts loose) or an electrical (the switch defective) problem.

[Grimmjow]

how would i know if its a switch problem?

[bmsmith7]

I had this problem with my 95 camry I had to replace the transaxle crank sensor.

[Grimmjow]

is there a pdf on how to change the sensor?