A4 Shift Prob. - Diagnosis help?
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: McHenry IL
A4 Shift Prob. - Diagnosis help?
In an earlier post, I had mentioned that after starting my car, it seems to take forever to allow me to shift out of Park. This becomes less of a problem after the car's been running for a while. Before I hand my car over to a dealer to try a "trial & error" approach, I thought I get everyone's two cents.
- The button mechanism seems to be OK. Something (solenoid?) is holding the shift from moving.
- Could the brake switch be responsible somehow? The "Brake Before Shifting" message on the DIC doesn't seem to appear as quickly as it used too.
- Could this be due to something with the transaxle?
I believe that something isn't getting a signal to a solenoid or relay that releases the shifter, but don't really know where to look. Does anyone know where I can find info on ripping my console apart to look at this chit?
Any help is surely appreciated!
- The button mechanism seems to be OK. Something (solenoid?) is holding the shift from moving.
- Could the brake switch be responsible somehow? The "Brake Before Shifting" message on the DIC doesn't seem to appear as quickly as it used too.
- Could this be due to something with the transaxle?
I believe that something isn't getting a signal to a solenoid or relay that releases the shifter, but don't really know where to look. Does anyone know where I can find info on ripping my console apart to look at this chit?
Any help is surely appreciated!
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 229
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From: "Second place is just the first loser" Edmond, Oklahoma
shifter
it's either the shifter or cable...... my 98A4 did the same thing until one day it wouldn't shift....... the button on top actually pulls a cable that lets you move the shift lever which is connected to the transmission with a larger cable. In the process of changing my shifter, I forced the bigger cable and had to replace it also (pain in the b***). Wholesale on shifter assemblies from the dealer are $247 and the cable is $65. This all happened after 131,000 miles, tho so I wasn't too upset!
craig
craig
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From: McHenry IL
Originally Posted by craigo
it's either the shifter or cable...... my 98A4 did the same thing until one day it wouldn't shift.
I assume the cable you mention above is the small one? Is that within the shifter itself?
You mentioned you replaced the shifter...why did that need replacing or was it more of a "I got it apart, might as well replace it" thing?
Finally, do you know where I can find some info on ripping the console apart?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,896
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From: Manchester - Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
Originally Posted by Get a Vet
So Craigo, how do I check?
I assume the cable you mention above is the small one? Is that within the shifter itself?
You mentioned you replaced the shifter...why did that need replacing or was it more of a "I got it apart, might as well replace it" thing?
Finally, do you know where I can find some info on ripping the console apart?
I assume the cable you mention above is the small one? Is that within the shifter itself?
You mentioned you replaced the shifter...why did that need replacing or was it more of a "I got it apart, might as well replace it" thing?
Finally, do you know where I can find some info on ripping the console apart?
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 229
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From: "Second place is just the first loser" Edmond, Oklahoma
shifter
I did have one and had planned on scheduling time to do it - but you know how that goes!..... The orange gear indicator wasn't moving and it was sticking like yours sometimes.... then one Friday night I got stuck at the shop with a car stuck in park. It's really easy to get into the area..... you need a #15 torx and 10mm socket..... that's about it. I haven't looked at the thread but you'll see what I'm talking about. The button is connected to a cable the comes out of the dash next to where the cig lighter was......... you can do it ! If you need a shifter assy I'll have some brand new ones next week for $150 shipped. I found a guy with some so I bought all of them (I have 4 C5's).....
seeya
craig
seeya
craig
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
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It seems like your fluid is low. If it's better after it's been running, you've had a chance to build fluid pressure and similarly if it's been sitting for a while the fluid will take some time to build pressure. Do you have any signs of leakage? How does it shift while driving? and into reverse. There should be some instructions on this in the C5 tech Tips.
