Phantom Shift Issue
 

I have a 2007 Camry with an issue that comes and goes. There are times when the car will not shift out of park. Yes, I've fully depressed the brake pedal prior to shifting. No amount of effort on my part will shift the automatic transmission from park. The only remedy is to use the override button. I have taken the car to the dealership and (of course) the issue never surfaces there. I was experiencing the problem for the better part of a week, drove to the dealership, the service advisor asked me to show him the issue and the problem had disappeared. Any suggestions? Has anyone else experienced this problem?

The next time this happens have some one watch the brake lights to determine if they come on with brake pedal operation.

The shift lock system is wired into the brake light switch (hence foot on brake to operate). No brake lights means a bad switch and no shift lock operation.

If the lights don't work, check the switch. If the lights do work post back for more suggestions.

Unless you want to start replacing parts this is the best approach to this intermediate problem.

It's a fairly common problem.