Transmission Range Sensor Problems

I believe my issue is twofold. First of all, I would like to know if anyone knows a way of bypassing the Transmission Range Sensor (aka Neutral Safty Switch) on the 2nd gen Tacoma.

I replaced the NSS about 2 years ago when my shifter gromet broke causing it to be sloppy end up in the wrong position and eventually fall off. After figuring all that out the truck still wouldn't tell what gear the truck was in and therefore would not start. I replaced the NSS and it worked. I believe it "broke" because it got mixed up with what position it was in with the shifter issue.

Now my truck is currently stuck at the auto parts store waiting for my second NSS to come in. Getting another P0705 error code like two years ago. The night before it almost happened when the shifter was stiff but it ended up getting it back on. Again I believe the shifter assembly and rusty cable linkage are the main issue and end up breaking or making the NSS think it is broken. Currently, no lights on the PRND123 are lighting up. Right before it happened it thought it was stuck in a position when it was not actually stuck.

1. Any way to bypass? (Don't want to be stuck in the middle of the woods next time the sensor goes out.)

2. Any aftermarket auto shifters for the 2nd gen?

3. Any linkage upgrades for smoother shifting? (Besides obviously lubricating the linkage under the truck.)

4. Is there a way to reset the truck to recognize the NSS? In case the NSS it not actually broken and the truck just thinks it is.

 

If it is not indicating the shift position it could be as simple as a blown fuse IG1 10 ampere. Or a damaged wire harness from that fuse to the Safety switch.

Or do you know for a fact that the shift lever on the transmission is moving? Maybe you have a broken shift cable.

Lots of possibilities here.

 

I checked the IG1 fuse it was fine. Yes, the shift lever is moving.

 

I would start searching for a wiring issue or test the Park Neutral safety switch.

 

Update: replaced the nss and it is running now.

but the sifter is very stiff and I believe needs adjusted. The light on the dash hunts for the gear position and I have to hunt for when shifting. Most noticeable with the drive positions. It gets to tight to get down to 2nd and 1st.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/23848652

 

Excellent!