1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Gear shifter on 2004 Prius not smooth

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by AllenZ, Feb 14, 2014.

  1. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2010
    640
    63
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    It's been about 2 year almost. The shifter is difficult shifting from default position to Drive position. It's like there is some (plastic) obstacles on the way, right at the turning point. I have to force it to the drive position, and I hear the pretty loud clicking sound

    Sometimes it also stuck in drive position (if I don't force it back), but will come back to default position in 10 seconds by itself. It is unlikely some external objects got into there I believe.

    Have you heard anyone had this problem? Do I need to do something about it?
    Thanks!
     
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    7,842
    3,099
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    There are usually some available on eBay at any given time.

    SCH-I535
     
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    xpcman likes this.
  4. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2010
    366
    70
    0
    Location:
    North CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Your shifter assembly is defective. Get one from eBay to DIY or go to dealer to let them exchange. Do asap as driving at this situation is dangerous.
     
  5. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
    3,318
    1,103
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
  6. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2010
    640
    63
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thanks All!
    That should give me enough information to get this fixed at low cost.
    Consider the problem solved :)
     
  7. Kurzweil

    Kurzweil Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2012
    109
    34
    0
    Location:
    Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I've also read on this forum that a piece of plastic can become warped, causing the problem. Subsequent removal of said piece has corrected the problem at least on one occasion. The mechanically inclined may be able to see the problem, once the shifter is removed. Removing is not particularly difficult as it is essentially a switch assembly - - no cable or mechanical linkage. I believe that the panel upon which it is mounted snaps in.
     
  8. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    763
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two
  9. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2012
    2,593
    763
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two