ES300 Shifter alignment for Reverse tailights
 

My 96 ES300's shifter is out of alignment, making the reverse lights and the dashboard light indicator not function. I know the solution is to re-align the shifter. But I've read two different pieces of information on how to access that shifter.

One piece of advise that someone posted said that I should open the shift console. Another says I should climb under the transmission.

I've looked for schematics to identify the correct location of the switch, but can't find it.

I know the shifter is out of alignment because if I wiggle the shift in the console it will light up on the dash and the reverse lights will come one. However, it's not the right spot to keep the lights on.

Any help would be appreciated.

I had the same issue with my 98 - there is a neutral safety switch that sits directly on top of the transmission. The cable from the shifter runs from the firewall in the engine bay to this switch. The issue is that the contacts on the inside of the switch become gummed up. When I shifted into reverse, the backup lights and gear indicator wouldn't always activate. I usually had to jiggle the shifter for them to come on.

You can either replace the switch or disassemble and clean it. I believe you need to remove the battery tray and cruise control module to access the switch.

I chose to disassemble and clean the switch, which solved my issue completely. It's been over a year since I did it and it still works great. There is an excellent write up on the Toyota forum for Camry's, but the same procedure applies to ES300's. Here is the write up - http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/10...-cleaning.html

Thanks for the info. Very helpful.
I think the problem, based on the info you provided, is really an alignment issue, since all the lights work, and it looks like the device is "adjustable" on the cable.
Again, thanks for the info, and definitely for the link. I'll report back when I get it fixed.
Best,