We know that a problem can arise in shifting the car into D if the brake is not depressed enough, or the sensor monitoring brake pressure is malfunctioning. A similar -- but different -- symptom of having trouble shifting gears occurs when the gear shift lever is not working. Patrick Wong reported this problem, and noted that the lever stayed in the wrong place. My car had a gear shift problem today, and I wonder if I am seeing something new. I started the car, and shifted into D. I saw on the display that the D was selected, but when I took my foot off the brake the display shifted back into N, and pressing the fuel pedal had no effect. If I remember correctly, the ICE did not rev. The problem resolved itself after a couple of tries shifting into D. My last attempt that worked happened when I moved the lever to D and held it there a few seconds. Later that same drive, I drove in reverse a bit, and then was unable to shift into D and stay there. The gear shifted back into N on the display after I selected D. I am uncertain if the shift back happened when I lifted my foot from the brake, or when I pressed on the fuel pedal, but I think the latter. I'm pretty sure the car was functionally really in N, because it rolled backwards on the incline I was on when I took my foot off the brake. My earlier success by holding the gear shift lever a few seconds did not work, but the problem resolved itself by powering down and restarting the car. Parenthetically, since searching for answers tonight on the forum, I now know from John1701 that I can 'soft' reset the gear shift software by holding down the PARK button for a few seconds. I'll try to be more observant if this happens again, but for now, any ideas ?
I agree that it is likely the shift lever mechanism needs to be replaced, although the specific failure is different from the one that I had experienced. This is a pretty easy DIY project if you are so inclined. In the meantime, if you hold the lever in D that may provide a short-term workaround.
Make sure the shift knob isn't screwed on too tight. If the shift knob is on too tight it will catch very slighty and end up putting the car back in N once you've selected either R or D.
The shifter is just a gang of momentary electrical switches. It sounds like one of the switch contacts is failing, causing the ECU to shift back to N. I agree with the assessment that you shifter lever assembly may be failing. Tom
Thanks everybody For future use, Patrick's DIY instructions: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ing/65102-how-replace-2g-gearshift-lever.html Addendum: I've started looking for second hand parts .. Autobeyours sells the part for $75 + $12 S&H.
Seems reasonable to try the salvage part since it is priced at ~25% of new. Perhaps one hour of your time will be needed to remove and replace the shifter, so this is not a big loss of your time should you find the salvage part is bad. Good luck.
I'm more than fine with an hour for the repair, but I have to admit that looking at your pictures, I am curious where the hour is spent ?
Walking to the store for more beer; fishing screws out from under the floor mats; looking for your lost keys; trying to remember what you were trying to do once you finish the additional beer... Tom
I had a dry run just now, to take apart the dash. I've wanted to do that for a while now ... Next time, 5 minutes
No problems last couple of days, so I am debating whether to buy the part and put it on my shelf until needed. I'd like to hear opinions whether buying a can of compressed air sounds like a good idea. I could insert a thin plastic tube into the shift lever and try to clean out the mechanism with the pressurized air.
