Question about the transmission... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

DM616 · 10-30-2011, 04:53 PM

Alright, so I'm pretty sure it's been posted about before, though I have no idea what to search for.

I've got an auto trans.

Now, on the dashboard, it has those lights for PRND2L etc.

When the car first starts, it lights up just fine, Park is highlighted.

When I move to reverse/drive etc. it lights up fine.

But if I ever put the transmission back in park again, the light stops illuminating. I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with the bulb itself since it lights up fine if I shut off the car and start it back up.

This only started recently. I haven't noticed any problems with the transmission itself. Only thing that's been wrong since I got the car was the shift solenoid. Sometimes, even when pressing the brake peddle, I have to press the little safety button to shift gears.

I'm at about 83000 miles, no idea if the transmission fluid has been flushed before, I'll probably do it myself after the winter comes.

So how do I fix this or what do I check for? Thanks.

***JohnGD*** · 10-30-2011, 05:04 PM

Sounds like there may be a problem with the neutral safety switch.

You should do a connectivity check of the contacts with a multimeter. See also:

DIY: Neutral Safety Switch Cleaning

DM616 · 10-30-2011, 05:34 PM

Ah, thanks John!

Is it in the same location of the GEN4 though?

If so, just remove battery / tray / cruise control wires, and I should be able to get to it like the DIY?

***JohnGD*** · 10-30-2011, 10:26 PM

Yes. Just be careful of rusted nuts that can twist right off. Particularly the Z-lever from the cable to the switch. But you should be able to check the switch without taking it off. If the contacts don't connect as specified then you know.