Won't shift
 

Got home this morning and the shifter on my 2001 Lexus rx 300 will not click into natural, and will not go into reverse or Park. The shifters not loose, I did get it to start once and was able to put it into any gear other than n, r, and P. Once I shut it off I can no longer get it to click into natural to start it I tried the button thing but that still didn't work. Now the key is stuck in the ignition and I have to put blocks so it doesn't roll. Anyone have any ideas? Im not so sure it's the shifter cable as it's not loose.

The shifter stick has a safety interlock which senses that the brake is applied before letting you shift. Have some one send behind and confirm that the tail brake lights light up when you apply brakes and trying to shift. There is a small square block next to the shifter base which can be popped out and you can depress the relay interlocking to bye pass this.

The next possible problem is the shifter cable can be broken at the base of the shifter. Search and you will find a fix along with pictures.

Salim

As stated I tried pushing the bypass button next to the shifter this did not work. The break lights light up just fine. It shifts into the other gears just fine and when I got it to start in natural. I was able to put it in drive and 2nd just fine. But will no longer go all the way into natural. So I cannot start the car no more. If the cable was broke wouldn't it not go into any gear? If there's a way to upload a video I'll do it to show what's going on. But I haven't used a forum in about 20 years. This is old school lol

Here's a discussion on the shift cable issue with a fix procedure: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ift-lever.html

With the vehicel off, remove the plastic cover next to the shifter and release the lock. Have some one crawl under and with a person in cabin move the shifter and the person below watch the PRND switch at transmission move as the shifter is roved.

This will confirm shifter cable issue or problem with the transmission.

Salim

PS: Please make sure you chock the wheels before crawling under and shifting out of Park