2007 v6 awd won't let me manually downshift

[dschelle]

For some reason, I cannot manually shift below "d" into 3rd. This is an automatic with 130,000 miles. Otherwise drives and shifts fine. Fluids are full. Any ideas how to troubleshoot this would be greatly appreciated. Happy new year from Colorado.

[deadrx7conv]

Read the owners manual. If that doesn't help, have a passenger video what you're trying to accomplish while driving.

[dschelle]

The om gives instructions how to shift out of park if the shifter gets stuck, but it doesn't say anything about what to do if you are unable to manually downshift into 3rd, 2nd, etc. if I video it, can I upload it here or email it to you, deadrx7conv?

[deadrx7conv]

Upload any video to youtube.

Practice shifting down to 3/2/.... while stopped. If you can't, then you have loose change, or crud jamming up the shifter. Once you can shift with your eyes closed when stationary, then you should move the shifter just fine while moving.

[sweeneyp]

to TN!

Sounds like something has fallen under the panel and is preventing the shifter from going lower. See if you can spot anything in the "track"

[grandpapa]

Only downshift?

I have the same year/model. I do notice the shift is smoother than our 05 Sienna (same engine, tranny?) during normal driving in D.

If you wonder if downshift is working, try to put the car in hwy speed, level road, with OD on, then try to turn it off and see what happens. It should kick out of OD which is same as driving with "3"? I am not sure if this help

[dschelle]

Thanks grandpapa, sweeneyp, and deadrx7conv. Since I can't manually downshift while driving or at rest, it makes sense that something is blocking the track. I guess I can fish a wire in there? I'm not sure if there's an easy way to investigate this.