QuestionHi Ted,
I have a 1998 RAV4 AWD, Automatic, with 80k miles. First, thank you for your other replies, which solved one of my problems (sticking accelerator pedal).
Another issue: Yesterday afternoon I had the car oil undercoated. In the evening, I made two stops while driving home. First was normal. On the second, I started the car, but could not move the shifter out of “Park.” I stopped the engine, tried again, still stuck. By this time, the brake pedal is stiff, but I was essentially pumping it every time I tried this, so that didn't surprise me. I restarted the engine, still stuck. After a few minutes of jiggling around (and requisite colorful language), it slid into gear. Auto transmission shifted normally while driving. After I got home, I ran it through the range (Park to Low) a couple times, noticed nothing odd. Worked fine today. Is this a fluke or a warning of something more sinister?
Also, this 98 RAV has 80K miles. Should the timing belt be replaced? I read in another post that if it fails, it will not damage the engine, just require a tow. Am I understanding correctly? Should I have it inspected, or is that one of those things that by the time you can see the belt, you may as well replace it? Thanks...
(You can post this on message board... I can't figure out how to change that option)
AnswerThe shift out of park issue is most of the time related to something like a soft drink or coffee with sugar having been spilled into the console, the shift interlock solenoid and it's related moving parts are directly under the shift indicator, the sugar in the spilled drinks will cause the moving parts to stick and cause this problem, the solution is to remove the console and spray the moving parts with a solution of mild soap and water while moving the shifter.
The timing belt should be replaced at 90K miles, if the belt fails it will not cause any other engine damage but yes, the engine will obviously not run anymore.
