97 Limited Tranny Won't Move From Park! Help?

[diskfly69]

My 1997 4Runner will not move from the "park" position....even with the brake pedal depressed. The manual instructs me to push a "release switch" by the gear shifter to move it from park. That works fine, but I have to depress it each time I take the Runner out of park. Any ideas as to what would cause this?? The manual states to take it to a mech asap to have the problem diagnosed...but if I can fix it, I will...money don't grown on trees! Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Brian R.]

Test these components:

[diskfly69]

Thanks for the quick response! Looks like I've got a little work to do!!

[captnray]

Check the cable that goes to the trailer hitch lights. I never used the plug but it rubbed on the hitch and the wire casing had a hole. Thus, the wire shorted and blew the fuse. Its the fuse to the tail lights, check it. For some reason it will not let you out of park if its blown.

[Brian R.]

Thanks captnray - that sounds like the first thing to check before you haul out the volt/ohmmeter