A4 Tiptronic won't shift out of park

[Cody Forbes]

On nearly all of the newer VAG products I've driven you can hear the 
interlock solenoid make a sort of dull klunk sound when you push the brake. 
Can you hear it? If yes, try removing the shift knob itself (pull the button 
outward then lift up on the knob with some force) and then manually pull the 
white plastic rod and see if it shifts. I've replaced one or two of those 
knobs because the button fails. While you are there spray some sort of 
lubricant down that white plastic rod.. I've seen them get stuck before, but 
thats the opposite problem you are having (shifter never locks in place, 
can't remove ignition key), I'm just saying to lube it for preventative 
measures.

IIRC the brake pedal switch has only 2 circuits - one for brake lights, one 
for shift interlock. If the indicator next to the shifter functions then 
that signifies your brake switch should be ok. Another IIRC, getting at the 
solenoid to disable it will require removing the console - a PITA.

-Cody Forbes
http://www.5000tq.com
'87 5ktq - Fast.
'87 5ktq QLCC'd plus some
'86 5ktqCD
'86 5k
'86 5k


Kent McLean wrote:
> The honeymoon is over.
>
> I went to move my '99 A4 Tiptronic today, but when I tried to shift
> into reverse, the shifter wouldn't budge out of park.  My foot was
> firmly on the brake. The little "press the brake pedal" light on the
> console goes out when I press on the brake. The button on the shifter
> to release the shift lock presses in (what I think to be) "enough".
> But the shift lever won't move out of Park.
>
> a. Is it something simple like like a brake switch having failed?
>
> b. Is it something simple that I can disable without ripping anything
> apart?
>
> c. Suggestions other than "buy a Honda".
>
> P.S. I have the Bentley for the A4 on CD, but I haven't been able to
> get it working on my Vista laptop (dual boot with Ubuntu Linux).