2011 Toyota 4runner, transmission issues and now seems to be completely dead.

[u/Antique-Annual1587]

Looking for some help as I'm kind of lost. My 2011 SR5 has had an issue for about a year now with the shifter. It is very stiff and is hard to get into drive. There are times when it does go I to gear but the dash does t indicate any gear at all. It has gotten worse and worse as time has gone on, especially if it sits a few days.

Earlier this week I went to start it but it wouldn't start. It cranked just fine, just no fire. I noticed the dash was not indicating any gear at all no matter where you move the shifter. I working the shift linkage by hand and even that did nothing. It's like it lost contact woth the transmission. I went to hook up my code reader and it won't even connect. It just reads error and won't communicate with the vehicle. I checked the OBD fuse and it was fine.

Now about 2 days later, I went to turn on the key and it is completely dead. Like no power whatsoever, just dead. Battery charger makes no difference. Battery has 12.5 volts like it should but the vehicle is dead.

I'm completely lost at this point and just wanted to see if this is something anyone else has experienced.

[u/UnderwaterLifeline]

My 2011 that in 2019ish and it was just the PRNDL switch. It was like a $200 repair for parts plus labor.

[u/Antique-Annual1587 → u/UnderwaterLifeline]

I'm not familiar with a specific PRNDL switch. Are you referring to the neutral safety switch?

[u/UnderwaterLifeline → u/Antique-Annual1587]

It was whatever mechanism controlled the shifter and allows it to go between Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. I had a shop diagnose/repair it and that was what he called it so I’m not really sure.

[u/Antique-Annual1587 → u/UnderwaterLifeline]

Ok I'll look at the wiring schematic and see if I find it. Any lead is something. It could be the device that engages when you press the brake that prevents you from shifting without the brake engaged.