1997 4runner No REVERSE!

[Golgo13]

Hi guys/gals! I'm calling upon your collective genius.

I have a 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER that won't go into reverse. Neutral acts as a drive gear as well. I tried adjusting the linkage, but no luck. Could it be solenoids?

 

[MAC702]

...won't go into reverse. Neutral acts as a drive gear as well....

Dang. I had this exact same problem on a Kia Sedona. I don't remember what the problem was, but I think it was something easy for the guy to fix.

Is "Reverse" the new "Neutral?"

 

[Golgo13]

It is, reverse is neutral. I tried o adjust this linkage

 

[7.62]

I think there are 3 solenoids inside the transmission they probably need replacing. Do a little research they are reasonable in cost and fairly easy to replace if you’ve got mechanical ability.

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

Logic says if the gear shifter position doesn't line up with the action of the transmission, then the selector linkage is the problem.

It either manually moves a set of gears, or, it activates a switch or switches which energize a solenoid or solenoids to engage the requested gear.

I'd still be looking at that linkage.

PS, my 89 F150 did that some years ago, all it took was getting the linkage back into the right orientation(s), came about after Ford dealer did a filter change and flush on it, why they messed with the linkage I have no idea, but when I picked it up, it did as described above, I rolled under it, looked at the marks where the linkage had been, told the service writer to put it back up on the rack and adjust it, 20 minutes later it was back to normal.

 

[Harley]

Logic says if the gear shifter position doesn't line up with the action of the transmission, then the selector linkage is the problem.

It either manually moves a set of gears, or, it activates a switch or switches which energize a solenoid or solenoids to engage the requested gear.

I'd still be looking at that linkage.

PS, my 89 F150 did that some years ago, all it took was getting the linkage back into the right orientation(s), came about after Ford dealer did a filter change and flush on it, why they messed with the linkage I have no idea, but when I picked it up, it did as described above, I rolled under it, looked at the marks where the linkage had been, told the service writer to put it back up on the rack and adjust it, 20 minutes later it was back to normal.

This

Have someone help you and dont get run over! Disconnect the linkage and shift it by hand to verify. If it engages all the gear positions and works then you know its either worn out linkage component or a simple adjustment.

 

[Harley]

Dang. I had this exact same problem on a Kia Sedona. I don't remember what the problem was, but I think it was something easy for the guy to fix.

Is "Reverse" the new "Neutral?"

The problem was it was a Kia Sedona!

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

Blowing that photo up a might, it looks to me like the nut is further down the slot that it used to be, and depending on the motion of the gear shift, it would make sense that the linkage is now too long, especially if the shift pattern is a standard PRNDL, then if it were suddenly too long, you would have to move it down a notch or two to get into the gear above the shown position.

In other words, Neutral would now be Reverse, Reverse would now be Park, and the first D position probably is Neutral and you can't get all the way down to the low range.

If the linkage were suddenly too short, then you would not be able to get it into park, it would show Park next to the shift lever, but would actually be in reverse.

But then I could be all wrong, wouldn't be the first time this second............

Put it up on 4 solid jack stands or a lift, have someone get in it and move it through the gear selection while you watch the linkage, should give you a clue, then do what Harley suggested, disconnect the linkage, shift it by hand (with the engine at idle and all four wheels well off the ground, stay away from the spinning drive shaft!) and if you can move it to all positions, then shut off the engine, adjust the linkage, and try it again with the gear shifter inside the cab and the wheels off the ground.
Works, then road test it!

 

[Golgo13]

Thanks for the replys. So i did disconnect the linkage and manually shift. Still not working. I'm going to replace the transmission.

 

[Gullwing]

What does it do in park? I mean if it works in drive I wouldn't just jump to "replace the whole damn thing".

 

[Luis Lopez]

My friends 2013 Chevy Tahoe had a similar issue with cable linkage that broke at the transmission. It never illuminated check engine light but you couldn't shift it in to park so we chocked the wheels so it would not roll while we changed the stupid cable that only Chevy sells. Look for a JDM transmission they are cheaper than a rebuild and more reliable than a junk yard unit.