HELP: Gearbox CAN'T SHIFT when starting from "P" (park)

[mj1226]

Hi everyone, this is my first thread.

I'm in a bit of a jam. I have a Japan Winter Pack version of Hilux Surf 2L-TE with the black valve cover for several years now. It's a Turbo Diesel, Automatic Transmission 4WD. LN130, Wide Body, Double Battery, 2nd Gen.
whew, so many details.

My automatic transmission shifter wont work by pressing down its button anymore.
(I think that we all know that we have to step on the break pedal when shifting out of Park "P")

The only way I could get it out of "P" park is to press that tiny red button at the tip of the shift bar housing. It seems like an emergency release button for the transmission/gearbox.
Could you imagine if I had to do continuous backing up scenarios?
But shifting from "D" (drive) to "2" and to "L" (low) doesn't require me to press on that red release (emergency button).

Before this problem started, there used to be a continuous solenoid clicking non-stop when the engine is running but only at parked "P" state.

When after I brought my Surf to a workshop & had my headlights wiring re-done. The knocking stopped and so did my regular shifting days. Well, might be a coincidence but I never went back to that workshop ever again. And it closed down, apparently it lost so much clientele.

Anybody got a remedy for this? please please...

here are some images but these are not of mine since my surf is still at the workshop for something else. I had to search for interior pics of hilux surfs (not easy).

[Wolfracer]

Oh THAT red button....

I assume there's a microswitch for the solenoid. If it's "clicking continuously" i'd look there first... failing that you could keep the connection "live" somehow?
After the witching hour the grown ups will wake up and answer your problem. Be patient.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Check both of your brakelights are working, they are part of the shift lock circuit.
Can you hear a click coming from the base of the gear lever when you press the brake pedal?

[mj1226]

Check both of your brakelights are working, they are part of the shift lock circuit.
Can you hear a click coming from the base of the gear lever when you press the brake pedal?

thanks for the reply everyone, really, I sincerely appreciate your inputs.

thanks bushwhacker! but we're not out of the woods yet.

Before this current predicament started, when shifting gears (A/T) was working the way it should, again before, I can hear the clicking at the base of of the gear lever. When the engine is in "ON" and when its running. And the clicking occurs when the gear stick is in "P" and "N".
But that is not happening anymore. No clicking at all. To be honest, I prefer having that clicking if only it would bring back the normal gear shifting procedure. NOW, the headache of a problem is, It doesn't shift without pressing that teeny tiny red button in-front of the gear lever.
We step on the break pedal then press the top button on the gear lever and move from "P"(park) to either "N", "R" or "D". Now, that is not happening.
What does happen is we have to reach out and press on that tiny red button in-front of the gear lever to be able to shift out from "P" to "N", "R" or "D".

1. What is causing this lock-up? The only way to shift from P is to press that red tiny button then move the gear lever to "N", "R" or "D".
2. When I step on the break pedal to depress the gear lever button, that gear lever button wouldn't budge at all. Hence, the need to press that red button.


side question: (i know this is not the problem anymore)
But just wanted to ask, what could have been causing that continuous solenoid clicking?

im soooo drowsy but im still up.... taking my asthma meds... sorry folks...

[BUSHWHACKER]

Check that both brakelights are working when you press the brake pedal.

[mj1226]

Check that both brakelights are working when you press the brake pedal.

Yup, They are both lighting up.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Yup, They are both lighting up.

OK, check the fuses behind the cover next to the throttle pedal.
I can't remember which one affects the shiftlock, so you'll have to check them all.

[mj1226]

OK, check the fuses behind the cover next to the throttle pedal.
I can't remember which one affects the shiftlock, so you'll have to check them all.

ooooh "ding!" yeah! good idea there Bushwhacker!
I'll do that maybe later or tomorrow, I'll have to visit the workshop where my surf is at.
about the lights, I was able to check them before you asked the question if they're operational, last-week I went over to the workshop to make that check.
I feel relieved that you suggested that in the first place. Since you know more than I do. It felt reassuring.
Thanks there champ!

Moving along, I really appreciate you taking the time on this.
I will be right on it as soon as I get to visit the workshop and check the foot panel fuse housing on the right side. (fingers crossed) I hope this is the one that does it!

and I'll post any update.

[mj1226]

OK, check the fuses behind the cover next to the throttle pedal.
I can't remember which one affects the shiftlock, so you'll have to check them all.

Hi there Bushwhacker. Good day. I am back! Hello to Everyone also.
I just got back my SURFY today... i missed her so much. The strawberry milkshake is fixed! My technician placed an external ATF cooler instead of the fluid going into the radiator. Showed me the flushing of the all the ATF and the clear ATF after running my baby. (the whole nine)

Well going back to topic.
1. checked brake lights both working great.
2. checked fuse housing on the right footing area and all fuses are fine.

where do I go from here fellas? Any other hints or pointers?
Gearbox lever still on lock-up and I only can shift if I press that gearbox release button. thinking myself

[tonupteabag]

see here....http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthrea...arstick+sensor

[mj1226]

see here....http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthrea...arstick+sensor

thanks for the input. I'll try to check that control box. I've seen it many times. I had opened up my dash a few times long ago.

By the way, saw the pics of your shifter, helpful stuff. thanks. noticed the O/D button.

Was your shift issue resolved?

[muddle]

push the button down and glue it in place. fixed forever..............

[mj1226]

push the button down and glue it in place. fixed forever..............

which button?

(shift lever button) I wish I could, I really do. But the button won't budge to start with.

and

(tiny red button) the gears wont lock if you put it on park. ....dangerous...anytime... be speechless after a wreck.

[tonupteabag]

thanks for the input. I'll try to check that control box. I've seen it many times. I had opened up my dash a few times long ago.

By the way, saw the pics of your shifter, helpful stuff. thanks. noticed the O/D button.

Was your shift issue resolved?

It's been fine since i unplugged the smaller connector at the back of the ignition, in fact i forgot i'd actually done it until reading your post! It also had the advantage of disabling the door open bleeper when the key is in the ignition but, all other buzzers are still working as they should.

[mj1226]

Check both of your brakelights are working, they are part of the shift lock circuit.
Can you hear a click coming from the base of the gear lever when you press the brake pedal?

Hi Bushwacker! How are yah?

Got an email or something maybe skype? Wish to talk to yah pal.
Looking to procure a 1KZ-TE engine, M/T if possible. A/T if that is the only thing available.

Will a 2KD-FTV fit in my Hilux Surf 2nd Gen Wide Body, winterpack version, 2LTE LN130?
If possible, I would like a swap of that instead of the 1KZ-TE. If the 2KD-FTV can be offered on the table.

If you're not able to provide, maybe point me to someone or some retailer in the NewZealand or Aussie territory, that way, that would be closer to where I am.

hit me up when you can (mj1226@gmail.com)