My shifter just started acting up. It does not like to move towards Reverse or Drive and is stuborn going to the left. Suggestions?
Shifting problems can be caused by the switch on the brake pedal. You have to depress the brake before you can shift into D or R, so if the switch fails or gets funky it will cause problems. On most Prius, there are two switches on the brake pedal: one for the brake lamps and one for the shifter interlock. The switches can be checked with a simple ohm meter. If the switch is okay, it could be the shifter itself. The shifter is nothing more than a fancy electrical switch with several contacts. They have been known to fail, and can be replaced fairly easily. Tom
Some shifters on the 04's and 05's tend to stick, especially in hot weather. The only fix is to replace it.
I just fixed my 04 shifter without much trouble. See http://priuschat.com/forums/care-maintenance-troubleshooting/38199-gear-shifter-sticks.html
