Gear Shift Keeps Returning to N

Yes, I've heard of two or three instances. It could be either some debris within the shift mechanism that needs to be cleaned out or the mechanism needs to be replaced. See this for more.

 

To me that would suggest that the sensor that detects that the stick has been shifted over to the left is reporting that it is shifted over when it isn't. This could be the sensor itself, or a wiring problem.

There are two sensors - one detects horizontal movement and the other vertical movement.

 

I agree that replacement of the shift mechanism is the likely fix.

With my 2004, when shifting into D I have recently noted a new clicking sound. So I will probably have to replace the shift mechanism in the future, anticipating the click is an indication that the bearings are about to fail.

 

I had a wire they call a spiral wire that went on one of my taxis.
The card would pop into neutral at a stop light and I would have to power off and power on again to get the car moving until I had to stop again and it would go to neutral again.
The wire was $400 Canadian. The car had been in an accident 2 months earlier so I assume that is what eventually led to the wire shorting out.

 

I experienced the opposite problem that the OP described: the gear selector remains in R or D when moved to those positions. Apparently the spring that pulls the lever back to N has broken. I just noticed this when taking my 2004 to the body shop this morning for repair to the two driver's side doors (which were hit last Thursday). While the selector is in R or D, you cannot shift into P.

I ordered a new shift lever assembly from Champion Toyota, Houston for $287 plus freight. I'll post instructions on how to replace this part after I receive and install it.

 

That would be suck if this Shift-Lever switch tends to fail over time or under hot/cold in a prolonged period.....

 

I've just got the same problem on my '05, except it's cold, not hot, which I described in another thread:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...d-their-car-stuck-in-neutral.html#post1065199

and won't repeat here, although this is where it belongs.