Automatic shift lock problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Automatic shift lock problem
The automatic shift lock on my 06 A6 intermittently would not release when I stepped on the brake and therefore would not allow the transmission to be shifted from park. Today I found that it will not release at all. I was able to get around it by switching the ignition switch to accesory mode, putting the transmission into neutral and then starting the car.
I assume that there is a switch connected to the brake pedal that releases the shift lock and that this switch is bad. Am I correct? Where is the switch located and how difficult is it to change?
I assume that there is a switch connected to the brake pedal that releases the shift lock and that this switch is bad. Am I correct? Where is the switch located and how difficult is it to change?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 782
From: Las Vegas NV
My '05 has just started to randomly do the same thing. There is a solenoid mounted to the shifter that begins to go bad. It has one wire connection on it and if you disconnect that wire the solenoid will be deactivated and it will not get stuck in park any more. The only drawback is that you will now be able to shift out of park without putting your foot on the brake. You will need to remove the center console to get to the solenoid. That is my project in the next couple weeks.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: St Pete Beach Florida
My '05 has just started to randomly do the same thing. There is a solenoid mounted to the shifter that begins to go bad. It has one wire connection on it and if you disconnect that wire the solenoid will be deactivated and it will not get stuck in park any more. The only drawback is that you will now be able to shift out of park without putting your foot on the brake. You will need to remove the center console to get to the solenoid. That is my project in the next couple weeks.
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: St Pete Beach Florida
Manual shows that it is pin8 wire color D-GN/WH. Another thought, I had a problem with brake pedal light switch in my Explorer and just squirted WD40 on it and it has not had anymore problems - think I'll look around the brake pedal and start squirting. 
