Gear shifter sticks

[smithBYU85]

I have an 04 model with a problem in the gear shifter. It is getting colder here in Utah and the lever has been clicking when I hit N, and this morning it got stuck on N after I put in reverse. I was able to move it from N to its normal position. I tried it a second time and it almost got stuck but it did move from R back to its starting position.

By mentioning the temp, I mean this isn't a problem in warmer weather and this did not happen last winter that I can remember.

Any ideas?

[galaxee]

that happened to me i think 3 times first thing in the morning on what were probably the coldest days of the year down here. (it doesn't get very cold.)

of course, when i had DH look at it, it wouldn't do it. so i have no idea and he thinks i'm crazy :P

[smithBYU85]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Oct 1 2007, 10:14 AM) [snapback]519828[/snapback]</div>

that happened to me i think 3 times first thing in the morning on what were probably the coldest days of the year down here. (it doesn't get very cold.)

of course, when i had DH look at it, it wouldn't do it. so i have no idea and he thinks i'm crazy :P
[/b]

Yeah, that's how it always is, the problem never occurs when someone who can fix it takes a look at it. If I go early enough in the day and not let my car warm up, the dealer might be able to actually see it, but I have class from 8-11 every day of the week. I hope it doesn't continue... This car has had so few problems, I absolutely love it!

It's only in the 40s when I leave, winter should bring temps to 20 or lower. It actually snowed here on Saturday, very briefly tho. This car hasn't had to sit in the cold b4, it's always been in a garage but my apartment doesn't have a garage.

[coast15]

My gear shift was sticking in all gear locations on my 04 Prius also. It just stopped popping back in the "neutral" position. I am in California, so temperature was not an issue. I mentioned it to the dealer and they didn't seem too concerned but I have an extended warranty and the assembly was covered so it was replaced. I think it was some (expensive) spring that had sprung. Now it works like it used to.

[kudzuguy]

My gear shift started clicking in the summer when the temperatures were in the 90's. It has now progressed to the point that I have to "help" it back to its default location.

I was wondering if a spring had sprung. Based on coast15's experience, I guess it has. I will have to talk to the technicians at the dealership about it before it gets stuck in drive and I can't get it out.

I have 89,000+ miles on the car.

[rachelmkheadley]

Well, well. I got on the site for this exact topic. My '04 shifter started acting up. I am sad to find out that it's an (expensive) spring. But, it's the only maintenance I've had, so I'm not complaining.

I've got 68,000 miles on mine.

[TucsonPrius]

I, too, am having the same problem. It appears that replacing the selector switch should be straightforward; a possible DIY repair.

With that in mind, I've been trying to find the shifter listed in the numerous part catalogs on the web (I've been leery of getting a used one -- it may end up with same problem after a few months), but I just can't find it under any search term I would use (shift, gear, lever, switch, selector, etc). Any one out there know the part number?

Thanks,
Shawn

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TucsonPrius @ Nov 28 2007, 06:36 PM) [snapback]545513[/snapback]</div>

I, too, am having the same problem. It appears that replacing the selector switch should be straightforward; a possible DIY repair.

With that in mind, I've been trying to find the shifter listed in the numerous part catalogs on the web (I've been leery of getting a used one -- it may end up with same problem after a few months), but I just can't find it under any search term I would use (shift, gear, lever, switch, selector, etc). Any one out there know the part number?

Thanks,
Shawn
[/b]

you might try 33560-47020 this is what it show's in my list. Be advised that this list is for a 2004 and is from 2004 so it might have been superceded by now. Run it past your dealers parts dept. and see what they say.

[drifty1955]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(smithBYU @ Oct 1 2007, 10:47 AM) [snapback]519822[/snapback]</div>

I have an 04 model with a problem in the gear shifter. It is getting colder here in Utah and the lever has been clicking when I hit N, and this morning it got stuck on N after I put in reverse. I was able to move it from N to its normal position. I tried it a second time and it almost got stuck but it did move from R back to its starting position.

By mentioning the temp, I mean this isn't a problem in warmer weather and this did not happen last winter that I can remember.

Any ideas?
[/b]

Based on all the posts I bet some high quality lube in the right spot will fix or at least lengthen its useful life. I'm kinda nutty about lubing things and all moving parts on my Prius are very lightly lubed. It really helps. I get the rubber under the car too. Really lengthens the life of everything. Get the manual on line and take it apart till you can get to the mechanical's of the shifter and see how it works and spray some lube in there at the right wear spot. I bet it fixes it. Also if you seeing some really cold temps is it possible to get a block heater? Maybe some intense warmth from the motor might bring that dash area above freezing a tiny bit enough to help. Good luck!

[Frank Hudon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Drifty'sDad @ Nov 29 2007, 06:59 AM) [snapback]545639[/snapback]</div>

Based on all the posts I bet some high quality lube in the right spot will fix or at least lengthen its useful life. I'm kinda nutty about lubing things and all moving parts on my Prius are very lightly lubed. It really helps. I get the rubber under the car too. Really lengthens the life of everything. Get the manual on line and take it apart till you can get to the mechanical's of the shifter and see how it works and spray some lube in there at the right wear spot. I bet it fixes it. Also if you seeing some really cold temps is it possible to get a block heater? Maybe some intense warmth from the motor might bring that dash area above freezing a tiny bit enough to help. Good luck!
[/b]

it's been reported before and it's not a lube thing it's a broken spring thing.