Trouble Shifting into '4' and below

Does anyone know if the problem lies with the actual shifter bezel/module, or would be something more within the transmission, or maybe the linkage between the two? Just recently I noticed that my Auto 2004 v8 4runner won't shift over from D to 4, and obviously not 3 or 2 either (since I can't even get it to 4). I feel like I'm going to break the shifter handle with how hard I have to try when going from D to 4.

I read a partial Reddit thread where it seemed like someone had a similar problem, but i'm not a Reddit member so it only showed me like the first 2 and a half responses. Someone was starting to say the shifter bezel/module may need to be greased and there are these pins in there where grooves start to wear in the plastic? I couldn't finish reading it, and couldn't find anything else on Google about this.

Any help would be appreciated.

edit: i did just have my transmission fluid flushed recently (like 6 months ago or so) and the transmission feels fine otherwise. I don't typically shift over to 4, 3, 2 so i don't know when this problem started.

 

Wonder if i should just replace the whole shifter assembly sort of using this video as a guide:

How to Replace the Gear Shift Bushing (Shift Linkage) on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner! (youtube.com)

 

The problem you have is the grooves/track in the shifter is getting worn, which allows the spring loaded round top metal pin that rides in the grooves to come more out of it's socket and it binds up, if you push on it too hard it will allow the pin to completely out of the socket, usually because the side wall of the socket breaks away, once the pin pops out you will end up with what has been termed "floppy shifter", I couldn't find any topics on this forum talking about this issue....but there are several topics on this subject on the "other 4runner forum" on what can be done to try and fix it if you're handy enough, I have read most all of them.

That being said I would suggest you get a new shifter from a dealer for around $750+ to $800 or a used one from a salvage yard, if you go used make sure it's from a 2004 or newer 4th Gen (2003 are different) and MOST importantly a low mileage one if at all possible or you run the risk of it being worn out as well.

Link for a new one.

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...ilter=(1=2UZFE;4=LIMD;6=5FC;0=UZN215L-GKAZKA)

 

Hmm, $750 for new, or $200ish for used, which could be a gamble. Changing it out seems easy enough I suppose.

 

I forgot to mention, if you get a used one from a 2004, it has to be from a V8 2004, the 2004 V6 shifter is different and will not work for you, 2005 to 2009 or all the same V8 or V6.

 

Ya the part number you linked above was the one I was researching as well. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Ugh, all the eBay ones look like crap or are from sellers with less than stellar ratings. May have to bite the bullet and just order one from Toyota. $764

 

Well I bit the bullet... $825 later.

 

Ouch, let us know how it goes!

I know how you feel, I just recently replaced my master cylinder/ABS booster assembly with a new OEM assembly, over all after it was done spent about $1500, that's just parts and fluid, I did all the labor.

 

Installed the new shifter assembly. It worked and now I’m able to shift into all gears again! Woohoo, install was pretty straight forward, only scary part is getting your shifter to match up where the transmission thinks it is. Makes your heart skip a beat when you ‘test’ it and the shifter is in “P” but the transmission thinks it’s it “3”. Just had to pull the cable manually all the way forward, then slowly use the shifter to go into “N” then tighten the bolt on the side of the assembly.

Haven’t driven it yet but it’s in Park and the engine will turn on so I know the computer knows it’s in Park… should work fine.

 

Just for my curiousty and future members who may have the same issue to know, how many miles do you have on your 2004?

 

249k so this assembly definitely got its mileage in