2003 tacoma shift interlock moves out of park with key removed

Before I tear into this project and order parts it's probably in my best interest to bounce this off the forum. Recently I've discovered my 03 Taco behaving in 2 different ways with-in the same area. When placing my truck into park I can't remove the Key from the ignition and as well, once I have pressed the small hidden interlock button underneath the thumbnail cover plate and removed the key, the vehicle will not remain in the parked position. Is this a Shift Interlock issue or perhaps a Loose Linkage?

Respectfully yours

Clayton Guy

 

1st gens it's typically the bushings in the shifter that fail and cause those issues.

Relatively easy to replace them, there's several youtube videos showing how.

 

Thanx DM 93

Yes, In my research I've discovered others whom have pointed this out. Respectfully the only question that comes to mind is in my own comparison, I so happen to own 2 2003 Tacoma's. The one I'm corresponding on has the challenge. It has 167,000 miles and the other is at 280,000, that I bought new...... When I compare the 2, at least in regard to the play in each shifter handle I really don't see much difference.

As you pointed out, I've watched YouTube Videos it is a simple process, and the replacement bushings are inexpensive. I will do just as you suggested....

Thank you kindly again. Most appreciated.

CG

 

FIXED DM93 Thank You for your help. Following are some Photos of the of the replacement project.

 

Do these bushings help keep the shifter from shifting from drive to neutral? Mine has bounced itself into neutral on some super gnarly roads before.

 

Mike 759, That I was not experiencing. My shifter was not jumping out of gear while driving. As I pointed out, my experience was I could not remove the key from the ignition while in park. Even when I could finally remove the key in Park. My truck would not remain in park. I could move the shifter out of Park and that can be scary especially on a hill. If you have any slopp at all my suggestion is order them and replace them. Both my 03's are like brand new... Good Luck..

 

There is a downrod off the shifter that goes to the transmission. Put her on level ground and block the tires front and back, slide under the truck and look at the trans mounts first, they might be worn or soft allowing for the trans to shift out of position and putting pressure on the downrod.