A4 shifter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
Before calling a wrecker, some folks report success disconnecting then reconnecting the battery. But it's not a permanent fix.
Make sure the brake switch is working... you should hear a distinct clicking sound when you step on the brake.
A weak battery might not have enough juice to overcome a reluctant shifter solenoid.
Unfortunately, a simple problem (like the brake switch or battery) can interfere with shifting... someone then forces the shifter, causing damage.
This is definitely fixable. Might be a [damaged] reverse lock-out pin or a faulty shifter solenoid.
Or it might be something simple, like a brake-light fuse. That is, there might be something preventing a signal to the shifter solenoid. Do your brake lights work? See post #6: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-in-drive.html
Do NOT force the shifter... you might do more harm than good. And don't let a well-intentioned ham-fisted tow-truck driver force it, either.
More ideas & links here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...f-r-and-p.html
Stuck in Park: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-you-help.html
DIY auto-shifter fix-it thread for an A6 -- I believe the A4 is similar:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ed-please.html
If you're handy...
All fixed!!!!
The short version.........the lockout solenoid was overextended and jammed, not broken. I was about to order a new one from the local dealer ($249) and decided to try and figure out why it wasn't working before tossing it.
When you press the brake it extends a rod on a solenoid that moves a plastic piece out of the way of the release button on your shifter allowing you to put in gear. The rod on the solenoid was slightly bent and not aligned with the lockout piece. I popped it loose and bent it strait with a pair of needle nose and its as good as new.
The hard part was removing the ****. Now I can remove it in 10 seconds or less. The other obstacle was how to remove the linkage once the shifter was unbolted.....lift and twist clockwise.
If your shifter takes a dive don't pay a.dealer $800+ for replacement, It can be done start to finish in thirty min once you know how to get that **** off.
Thanks for everyone's help and feel free to contact me if you are replacing one yourself or just have questions.
Make sure the brake switch is working... you should hear a distinct clicking sound when you step on the brake.
A weak battery might not have enough juice to overcome a reluctant shifter solenoid.
Unfortunately, a simple problem (like the brake switch or battery) can interfere with shifting... someone then forces the shifter, causing damage.
This is definitely fixable. Might be a [damaged] reverse lock-out pin or a faulty shifter solenoid.
Or it might be something simple, like a brake-light fuse. That is, there might be something preventing a signal to the shifter solenoid. Do your brake lights work? See post #6: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-in-drive.html
Do NOT force the shifter... you might do more harm than good. And don't let a well-intentioned ham-fisted tow-truck driver force it, either.
More ideas & links here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...f-r-and-p.html
DIY auto-shifter fix-it thread for an A6 -- I believe the A4 is similar:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ed-please.html
If you're handy...
All fixed!!!!
The short version.........the lockout solenoid was overextended and jammed, not broken. I was about to order a new one from the local dealer ($249) and decided to try and figure out why it wasn't working before tossing it.
When you press the brake it extends a rod on a solenoid that moves a plastic piece out of the way of the release button on your shifter allowing you to put in gear. The rod on the solenoid was slightly bent and not aligned with the lockout piece. I popped it loose and bent it strait with a pair of needle nose and its as good as new.
The hard part was removing the ****. Now I can remove it in 10 seconds or less. The other obstacle was how to remove the linkage once the shifter was unbolted.....lift and twist clockwise.
If your shifter takes a dive don't pay a.dealer $800+ for replacement, It can be done start to finish in thirty min once you know how to get that **** off.
Thanks for everyone's help and feel free to contact me if you are replacing one yourself or just have questions.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 3
From: West Linn OR
Page 96 2007 Corvette Owners manual
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the
shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park (P)
(Automatic Transmission) on page 105.
Page 105
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way into PARK (P) and release the shift lever
button as you maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and move the
shift lever into the gear you wish.
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still
cannot shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Press the regular brake.
2. Press the Acc. button twice to pluce the
ignition in accessory mode. See Ignition
Positions on page 90 for more information.
3. Apply and hold the brake until the end of
Step 4.
4. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
5. Start the engine and then shift to the drive
gear you want.
6. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as
soon as possible
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
