Something went awry in my automatic shift lever whereas I have to push the detent down with a scredriver to unlock the shifter every time. Can anybody tell me what part goes bad? I took off the console and jury rigged it so I can shift for now but cannot see what is wrong because all the plastic parts are intact. I see there is an electrical switch.

Check to see if the brake pedal switch is working.

I have a 1999 that just started doing the same thing.

Have you figured out what the problem is? What/where is the brake pedal switch?

I also just recently (about the same time) started having problems with my cruise control. When I click it 'on' the "cruise control" light just flickers on the dashboard. Any ideas??

Thanks

RustyRun,
Did you ever find/fix the problem?

I am having a similar problem with my 99 and want to try and fix it this weekend. I am also having problems with my cruise control. From what I read, it sounds like it is the brake light switch, but wanted to see if you had any luck.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Thanks, Dennis

There is a spring that hold the thing that I forgot what you call it is maybe break or loose, that's why you always have to use a screw driver to shift it so to open the thing, you need to remove the coloumn, check the FSM for the direction to it. Simple Job! 4runner rider.