2003 RX300:
The weather turned cold a few day ago and the shift lock button has been difficult to depress each morning. I have the press the brake in hard to get it to finally let me shift and it's taken me several tries to get it done. Once it shifts it seems to be OK for the rest of the day and I barely have to touch the brake pedal in order to shift. I think the switch is one that works on the release of pressure to activate so this isn't making a lot of sense to me. Why do I have to depress the pedal hard in the morning and barely touch it the rest of the day? Can cold weather have anything to do with it or it something besides the switch.
Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Brian

 

If the brake switch is sticking in the cold the brake lights won't come on either. Look to see if the lights are coming on.

 

For RX it is an electrical switch. So if the brake lights light up the switch is working. If the switch is working and the release does not happen, then it could be wiring (unlikely) or the interlock relay by the shifter. You can pop the slotted cover and manually bypass the interlock relay. Detailed instructions are in the owners manual if needed.

If you check the brake pedal, there are more than one switch. As the unit is aging the plastic button tends to crack and even come apart. This has been reported in couple of threads.

Salim