Has anyone had this gearshift "problem" ?

Yes, the original gear selector lever on my 2004 started making a noise just as you had described. A few weeks later, it started to stick in the D or R position, when the lever was moved to either position.

I replaced the gear selector as shown here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ing/65102-how-replace-2g-gearshift-lever.html

 

Adding to Patrick's comment, it isn't really a switch failure, as the Prius shifter uses Hall Effect switches which are not mechanical. The clicking is a mechanical failure of the knob mechanism. Regardless, the shifter is replaced as a unit, so it doesn't make any practical difference - I just enjoy the technical details.

Tom

 

Mine was also replaced in my '04 for this clicking sound. I was told a piece of the plastic had warped and was catching. You can likely find more in this forum if you search "clicking gearshift."

PA P

 

Mine does this, dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. I'm out of warranty now, so I'm just waiting for it to completely stop working before replacing it. From places i've read, some times you'll get lucky and it will stick in a spot that you can continue to use it, just have to hold it in the "park" position while turning the car on/off...Guess we'll find out.

 

Find a wrecking yard with a fresh 2008~2009, buy the shifter for $20~30, put it in. Inexpensive, easy repair. Look in car-part.com, they won't list shifters, just search for "engine" and call for the shifter price.

 

Please check my post here about fixing the warped plastic yourself for free:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...replace-2g-gearshift-lever-2.html#post1219224

 

Nice fix. Common sense, not so common. Good job.

 

Thanks NickBike,
With your direction I was abe to complete this "fix" in about an hour. The hardest part was getting the dash off!
Anyway, I was somewhat disappointed with the engineering/design of this shield, and I am wondering if it is even neccessary? I supose it helps keep dust and grease from moving back and forth, but it seems like a pretty "clean" area.
Thanks again for sharing your details! I highly recommend users experiencing these "clicking" shifter symptoms to give this fix a try.