Problem getting A4 out of "PARK"
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Problem getting A4 out of "PARK"
I have this intermittant problem. Sometimes I can not get the shifter to go out of PARK in my 98 A4. Any ideas? 
EDIT: This seems to be a problem mostly the first start of the day.
[Modified by 98silvermine, 12:27 PM 6/9/2004]
EDIT: This seems to be a problem mostly the first start of the day.
[Modified by 98silvermine, 12:27 PM 6/9/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Jacksonville Florida
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
Just a guess - but it might be something between your brake pedal and shift since you have to have your foot on the brake when first shifting out of park.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Montreal Qc
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
I believe there is a solonoid switch that locks the shifter from moving which is activated by pressing the brake. I would guess either there is a possible wiring problem (loose connector, bare wire, etc) as CAJUNY2KC5 suggested or the solonoid is sticking in a similar fashion to the dreaded steering column lock. A visual inspection might reveal something, otherwise intermittant problems are difficult to solve. Best of luck with it. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
Any other input? The problem is getting worse - first start of the day especially. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,016
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From: Hilton NY
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (wrustywrench)
If you remove the console and shifter cover you will have access to the shifter parts and you can drive around like that so when it fails you can see what isn't working. Things to check are; 1: There is a small cable from the ignition switch that you can disconnect to check it's operation, it prevents shifting out of Park when the key is off. 2: The shift solenoid can also be checked for movement by disconnecting it electrically from the car and giving it 12 volts; if it moves it's not burned out. 3: The power feeding the shift solenoid can be checked with the brake on and off.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Elko, Nevada
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
I can relate. My solenoid went bad about a year and half ago. I simply
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
Takes a little center console and radio/heat dash removing to access the
shifter.
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
Takes a little center console and radio/heat dash removing to access the
shifter.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (Purerock105)
I can relate. My solenoid went bad about a year and half ago. I simply
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Elko, Nevada
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
Like I said, it's been quite a while and I've had no problems. The funny part
is I still place my foot on the brake anyway(creatures of habit I suppose).
My wife drives too, and she hasn't had any issues either. The DIC will still
prompt you the message.
is I still place my foot on the brake anyway(creatures of habit I suppose).
My wife drives too, and she hasn't had any issues either. The DIC will still
prompt you the message.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
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From: Montreal Qc
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
I can relate. My solenoid went bad about a year and half ago. I simply
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
Is there a down side to this?
removed it. I can now take the car out of gear without 'pressing the brake'.
Is there a down side to this?
Or just try to track down the actual problem with the other advice given by all those who have replied.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (Miaugi)
Probably won't pass inspection if they ever notice it. The car could be taken out of park without the key in the ignition and then roll away (or be pushed), unless you leave un-supervised kids in the car, I don't see a problem with this.
Or just try to track down the actual problem with the other advice given by all those who have replied.
Or just try to track down the actual problem with the other advice given by all those who have replied.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: EP Texas
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (98silvermine)
I have the EXACT same problem, and have for many months now. I've tried to post for help as well more then once. It was also after the car sat for a while or the first start of the day. I cleaned up all the parts, and it still does it. I'm going to try and grease up a few parts or just remove the selenoid all together which I've also heard of f-body people doing.
If you take just the **** off, and push the mettal rod down with a screw driver just a little further then the button could, it will pop and you will be able to shift the car right away. Though not a fix, it will get you going ASAP instead of sitting in the car and shaking the snot out of the sifter.
If you solved this problem already, let me know how.
[Modified by TexCorvette, 2:04 AM 6/22/2004]
If you take just the **** off, and push the mettal rod down with a screw driver just a little further then the button could, it will pop and you will be able to shift the car right away. Though not a fix, it will get you going ASAP instead of sitting in the car and shaking the snot out of the sifter.
If you solved this problem already, let me know how.
[Modified by TexCorvette, 2:04 AM 6/22/2004]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (TexCorvette)
Temporarily it has "fixed" itself. My mechanic thinks it is the switch that enables the shifter to engage when the brake pedal is depressed. I have bought the part but haven't had it installed yet. (Mechanic on vacation)
Thanks for your input - if anything else develops I'll let you know.
My mechanic thinks it is the switch that enables the shifter to engage when the brake pedal is depressed. I have bought the part but haven't had it installed yet. (Mechanic on vacation)Thanks for your input - if anything else develops I'll let you know.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: New Orleans La.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (TexCorvette)
It was $25 and the part # is 10447139. Tho I doubt that you could remove it and have the shifter work, as "it is the switch that enables the shifter to engage when the brake pedal is depressed." Good luck.
Funny how we both have a 98 silver coupe...
[Modified by 98silvermine, 8:23 PM 6/22/2004]
Funny how we both have a 98 silver coupe...
[Modified by 98silvermine, 8:23 PM 6/22/2004]
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Tampa FL
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (Fast one)
Fast One, I have been milking the shift selonoind for about a month or so and it finally gave up after being away on vacation for a week. It would not move out of park yesterday. Tonight I removed the console panels which was no easy task with the shift **** in park (somehow I got it disengaged and removed the panels). I can now shift with the key on or off into any gear and park. However, I do not know how to remove the shift lever or its cover to inspect and replace the selenoid. Can you help with some instructions on this part?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,016
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From: Hilton NY
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (mharrison)
Remove the staple behind the shift **** and then the **** will lift off. The boot assembly has plastic feet that push to release then that assembly will lift off the shifter. You should then see all the internal parts. Warning! Use extreme caution if you unbolt the 4 nuts that hold the shifter to the tunnel and lift it up or you will break the shift cable! The shifter can barely be lifted enough to insert a long screwdriver to unclip the shift cable end from the shifter. Be aware of the resistance felt when lifting the shifter, it's the cable telling you that is about to break. The shifter uses a ball end and the cable snaps over it; a screwdriver can pry the two apart.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 26
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From: Tampa FL
Re: Problem getting A4 out of "PARK" (Fast one)
Thanks, I removed the boot assembly but could not find the staple to remove the shifter. It seems off enough to inspect and possibly remove the shift lock selenoid. I do not think that I will remove the shifter-tunnel plate. Also, after messing around with the internals, the shift lever now appears to move and lock out correctly. I'll find out in the morning if this is true (and have not put everything back together just incase).
If I do need to replace the selenoid, I am assuming that the two white attachment knuckles just snap in/out to remove the selenoid. Is this true?
Thanks for the help.
If I do need to replace the selenoid, I am assuming that the two white attachment knuckles just snap in/out to remove the selenoid. Is this true?
Thanks for the help.
