2008 5.7L can't select "S" mode

I bought an '08 5.7L double cab a few weeks ago. A few days ago while driving I was going to experiment with the "S" mode. When I moved the console shifter to the left, The "S" light on the dash did not come on, nor did the selected gear window illuminate. I tried moving the shifter up and back with no effect on the transmission. I've googled for info on this condition, but not found any help. It must not be a common issue with these transmissions. Since the transmission is controlled electronically, I'm thinking the shifter is basically a switch and hoping the solution is that simple. Any advice on possible causes or prior experience is much appreciated. Gene

 

Is absolutely everything else on the truck working properly? I could see even the tinniest of other unrelated issues disabling this functionality by default.

 

It has the issue of the AC delaying 45 seconds after start up. Unlike other threads I read on the AC issue, my truck changes air flow functions normally, I think.

 

My uneducated guess would be a fuse being your culprit. Might not get much help on the forums though. The number of Tundra owner's who have actually "dared" to use S Mode seems quite small!

 

I know this isn't much help, but, from the owners manual:

■If the "S" indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S, This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer, immediately.

Also, I didn't see any fuse that was directly tied into the shift indicator lighting system. See post #2.

 

So much for my "uneducated guess"

 

Thank you for reading the manual THOROUGHLY. I looked at it for instructions thinking I might have missed something but didn't see that statement. Maybe the dealer is my only option.

 

It could be something simple. Maybe someone spilled a big gulp in the shifter in the past. I would check the shifter switch first if it does ok in drive. There is a resistance check procedure for the shifter switch in the service manual.

Also, when I got my truck the seat memory did not work. I plugged in my Techstream and it showed no communication with the seat control. I knew the previous owner had just changed the lock actuator so I took the door panel loose and he had not connected it back. Easy fix. It was easy to see the problem looking at the system in techstream.

 

If it is a center console shift

 

I love making people think I have a manual..........wind up S1 off throttle S2 wind it up again. Ive had people ask "they sell manual Tundras?" LOL
I love S mode and use it everyday on the 08. I may regret my column shift 21 SR

 

I found this statement in the 2008 manual: " When the S mode indicator light does not come on even when the selector lever is moved to the S position, there may be a problem somewhere in the system. Have your vehicle checked/repaired by your Toyota dealer as soon as possible. In this case, you can drive in the same condition as in the D position."

 

When you say you tried moving the shifter up and back, did you toggle up and down (+ and -) while holding the shifter to the left?

 

Thank you for that information. It sounds like something I could check IF I found the correct connector. Is that drawing showing the connection at the transmission? I'm having trouble recognizing the location of the connector.

 

Yes, I moved the shifter forward toward the front of the truck and rearward toward the rear while in "S" position. I have a Lexus with the same type shifter so I am familiar with the operation.

 

Column shifter probably retains S Mode, at least it does on my Brother's 07.

 

What I was trying to say was that when you bump the shifter left into “S” location, does it give a firm stop to the left? Almost like a firm lock into place when it reaches the “S” location. My light doesn’t light up on the dash until it’s firmly in place. Could be nothing more than a minor adjustment to the linkage underneath.

 

I haven't tried pushing it really hard, but will try. Thanks for that tip.

 

The connector will be on the shifter assembly itself.

 

So I disassemble the console to get to it?

 

I have not done the test myself but I think the connector is on the front of the shifter. I am not sure if you can get to it well enough without taking it out.

Maybe someone who has an easier way to check it will respond.

 

The youtube videos I have found show how to partially disassemble the console, but not far enough to see any connectors on the shift unit. I might just dive in and see how far I can get.

 

I'm rarely in D mode.......

 

Check your reverse lights. I accidently blew the reverse fuse on my 07 and the only other thing it caused was I couldn't go into S mode......

 

Look on eBay at a picture of the shifter. That will show where the connectors are.

But definitely check the fuse Black Wolf is suggesting.

 

Was quite weird. Might not be OP's issue but can't hurt to check. Ha!

 

I looked at the wire diagram and it looks like there are two fuses associated with the selector switch.
10A bk/up lp
7.5a acc

Not sure but fuses are easy to check.

 

Thanks for those tips. I checked, back up lights work. Looking on the inside of the fuse cover, I didn't see any fuse that were labeled such that I could identify as back up lights or accessory.

 

Thank you. There is a picture of a '16 for sale that gives me an indication of where to look for the connection if it is similar to an '08.

 

UPDATE: I removed the top pieces of the console to allow me to see the connections on the shifter. The connector on the front that I suspected was the test location turned out to NOT have wires that were shown as test points in the male part of the plug . I was going to look at a connection facing the rear of the truck and saw that it was UNPLUGGED. I reconnected it and shifted to "S" mode with the ignition on and the "S" light and gear "4" lit up on the dash as you would expect it to do. I haven't driven the truck to check it. It is obvious someone has taken the console apart before because there are a few missing fasteners. My worry now is that the plug was left unattached to mask a larger problem. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when I drive the truck. I'll report back.

 

Fingers crossed that the person who took it apart simply forgot to hook it back up and it was not intentional. That would be awesome if it is simple fix.