Automatic Transmission Shifter

[So_Powerful]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a little issue I've having with a 86 Automatic Tercel. In order to start the vehicle I have to shove the shifter forward as far as I can with my left hand and turn the ignition with my right hand. Try it. It's awkward. Anyways I was wondering if anyone knew what I could do so that I don't have to shove the shifter forward to start the vehicle.

[Lil Beast]

There is a problem with parking/neutral switch,might be out of adjustment or defective. If defective, you can always unplug it and bypass the wiring(not most recommended but works got to keep in mind to be on park or neutral cause it will start in gear) or replace it!

[Petros]

It might be possible to remove the parking/neutral switch and clean it, and install it so it will make full contact with the the selector lever (it might have come loose and is out of adjustment).

As noted above, this switch prevents you from starting it when it is in gear. Should be a simple repair or replacement. Not sure where it is located on your car, might be at the lever inside the car, or on the transmission. As worst you can just by-pass it, just be aware the car can start in with trans in drive.

[dlb]

this is somewhat related. my friend has a '92 or '93 honda accord automatic that i've worked on for her a few times--great car, drives really nice and has historically been very low maintenance. anyway, just in the last few days she found that if she starts it in park, she can't shift it out of park so she has to start it in neutral. then if she tries to use the 'drive' gear, the car is bogged down like it's trying to start in 4th so she has to manually shift through L, 2, and 3.

i have zero experience with auto transmissions but it sounds like the problem is partilly linked to this parking/neutral switch you guys mentioned but the problem with the 'drive' gear sounds like it might be something else. thoughts? and what does a parking/neutral switch look like? will it be a wire plugged into the trans somewhere?

[Lil Beast]

It might be the shift linkage that got loose somehow and got out of adjustment! Hopefully for her! If it's a electronic shift mechanism the problem could very small! But the problem is to find it! Does the check engine goes on! If yes cause it's before 96 you should be able to retrieve the code by jumping leads in the connector box(google it something should come up, most vehicle are different). Then you can google the code! If mechanical mechanism, check adjustment first If wrong, fix it, if correct something relys within the trans! After adjusting if not better, trans again is suspect! Electronic could be as simple as a TCC solenoid or stupid sensors like that!

[john]

My '85 4wd is automatic. The neutral switch either needs to be cleaned, replaced, or adjusted. It has been years since I worked on my tranny, so I looked for info in my chilton. Switch is located under the control lever on the side of tranny.

removal:

1 disconnect neg battery
2. remove bolt/nut attaching the manuel lever to the control shaft, remove lever
3. unplug the electric connector and unbolt the switch

to install:

4. install switch and electric connector
5. connect lever and adjust switch.

adjustment:

1. Move shift lever to N
2. loosen switch bolts
3. align groove on the safety switch shaft with the line scribed on the housing. hold the switch housing and tighten the bolts. A picture shows this line running verticaly to the top of the tranny.

maybe it just needs adjusting, but do not know how it would slip in the first place.
best of luck, john

[Petros]

maybe it just needs adjusting, but do not know how it would slip in the first place.
best of luck, john

Usually does not slip, but parts wear and linkages get sloppy. Adjustment will usually accommodate the wear, if bad however the parts might need to be replaced.

[Lil Beast]

Unfortunately the tercel auto trans does not allow much adjustment without a overhaul! Some do have a bolt that tights the band! It only adjust the kick down, somewhat if you adjust it so the trans shift later it would help the slipping! Me I unplugged the linkage, the weber does not like it, I rigged it for but comes loose all the time! Anyhow you can shift it manually like I do, rev higher than usual. Before shifting it gonna help with the grip of the band! I go as high as 30mph on first sometime! But I do pop oil seals a lot! They sell highly corrosive stuff for auto trans to stop slippage, it kinda works but I don't give a high life expectation out of it! Maybe you could do a fluid change and look for debris in the old fluid! If can be found try the stuff! It gonna help until you find another one! The cost of overhaul in a shop can be very pricey and to DIY you need a lot of special tools( pullers mainly) and some knowledge hjelps, I remember the first turbomatic 400 I've rebuilded, well it worked but kinda funny!