First time poster. Shift lock porblem..need help

[savvycamry]

New person here. Glad I found this forum. its very informative. Hope someone can help me on this problem.

I have a 1996 Camry auto. The other day as i was in park I started it as normal but the shifter would not come out of Park. I used the shift lock overirde system to allow me to shift out of park so I was able to get home. I realized while driving my rear lights were not working also.

So far what I did is i checked the fuses and realized my #19 fuse was blown. It is a 15amp so i replaced it. When i replaced it the shifter worked the first time but as the 2nd time the fuse blew again and i ened up with the same problem. tried it a 3rd time and again it blew.

I'm guessing I have a problem in the wiring or it must be electrical. Driving without brake lights is dangerous and know I need to take it in.

Was hoping someone might know something before I bring it in that I can try or if they have an idea what might be the problem.

If I put in a 20amp fuse, could that help or might that cause more damage?


Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[.tony. .riot.]

I had a similar problem, but my car didn't blow out any fuses. It was the stop switch. You can get one from around $45 from Toyota.

I didn't buy a new one, my mechanic just took the stop switch out, cleaned it pretty good and it was working fine again.

[qeg84dox]

Try a 30 amp! Just kidding. Sounds like you have a wiring problem. This could be difficult to diagnose. I hate to say it but you should probably take it in.(Dealer)

[Gary_602Z]

Check your brake light bulbs and the sockets you may have one shorting out.

Gary

[savvycamry]

Originally Posted by Gary_602Z

Check your brake light bulbs and the sockets you may have one shorting out.

Gary

Thanks for the advice Gary. How would you check a socket is difective?

[Gary_602Z]

Look for mainly corrosion but also check that the bottom of the bulbs are making contact. You can also check for power and ground with a test light. Check a bulb by holding it up so you can see the filament and the flick it with your finger and see if you can see a broken filament move around.

Gary

[Cyorke]

Also check to make sure you ahve not spilled anything on the shift lock.

I was looking in my owners manual and the #19 fuse controls the brake lights, shift lock, and cruise control.

Makes it seem likely the brake switch has gone out and is shorted maybe.