'03 Camry won't shift out of 'Park'

[carrlos]

My '03 Camry won't shift out of park unless I take out the plastic tab next to the shifter and push the button inside. Besides that , the brake lights are not working. I think they are both related to a switch or sensor connected to the brake pedal that may not be functioning. I'd appreciate some help on how to fix it.

[toyomoho]

Your logic is sound. Most likely the brake light switch is not working. Improperly adjusted, broken, wires disconnected, fuse blown. The brake light switch needs to work for the transmission lockout circuit to work. Look under the dash at the top of the brake pedal to find the switch.

[carrlos]

Thanks, toyomoho, for the information about this problem! The culprit was the brake light switch. Apparently it was stuck in the "in" position which signifies "no brake applied". This resulted in the shift lever not being unlocked and no brake lights. I hit it with some heavy grease and worked it in and out several times to loosen it up. As for now, I don't think I need to replace it but I will keep an eye on it.

[carrlos]

20 months later and it's stuck again!!!! Let me see if I can find that grease I bought back in Nov '06!!

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by carrlos

20 months later and it's stuck again!!!! Let me see if I can find that grease I bought back in Nov '06!!

Are you kidding?

Just replace it.

[Cerritos]

If you can post a picture, it would be great.
I'm having the same problem. I don't know which one is the problem switch.

[csaxon]

[hor65]

I had the same problem with toyota Tacoma 2004 that would not come out of park.
After reading the post, I checked the brake lights and found that the taill light fuse was blown....most likely when I hooked up a trailer and lights.
I replaced the fuse and all works fine now.
Thanks for the info!