Tiptronic linkage lock - car can't move

[Nine8Six]

Hey fellas, I could do with any advice on this one

I can't move the car's tiptronic shifter in any gears (R,N,D,M). It is locked in P and I am totally annoyed by that :/ Was sure German cars were good for 99 years (minimum).

Background; took the car for a spin around the block two weeks ago, at a great top speed of 40kmph, came back home, parked it, and placed the car cover back on. All good fun.

Last Sunday: I've recharged the battery for 2~3hrs (the car barely started the week before). I've disconnected the NEG pole of the battery before hooking up the charger.

Today; I've reconnected the pole to the fully charged battery, started the car (wroom!), but can't place it in the Drive gear - or any gears. The shifter is locked into the P position.

Progress: I've dismantle the shifter's push button, thinking the tension spring is broken and stuck in there, but everything turn out in good shaper there.

Immob, sensor/brake pedal, ignition switch? can someone point me in the most obvious direction so that I can (hopefully) get this sorted with your help. I'd hate to flatbed the car with the rear wheels squeaking madly everywhere (that will leave a mark for sure loll)

[Boxtaboy]

Ok, first problem is that you got the Tiptronic tranny. You know how to ride a motorbike, but yet got the TIP? Shame on you! Seriously tho, here's a thread that hopefully helps you. Did you check the brake switch? The car will not allow you to change out of park if it doesn't know that you have your foot on the brake, so maybe the brake switch is faulty.

https://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/44327-1999-tiptronic-will-not-shift-out-of-park/

[particlewave]

Yes, check that the brake lights come on with the ignition on (brake lights don't work with ignition off), then report back.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Ok, first problem is that you got the Tiptronic tranny. You know how to ride a motorbike, but yet got the TIP? Shame on you!

Hey its a Fliptronic I have,, notice the paddles? I would never own a "tip"tronic. Just the name scares me loll



and I am sooo grateful to you for linking me up to that thread (how did I miss that). That guy, what he said makes my car move. I can actually gear it anywhere using his trick. No-no locked rear wheel on flatbed for me thank you very much.

Rennlist quote for those in the same boat "I've discovered a work around: I push down on the gear shift as I turn on the key in the ignition. As the car starts the gear shift is released and I can move it out of Park into Drive or Reverse. "

Still broken however. First major problem I have with the car, shattered... I was nearly trembling when the only thing that came in my mind was "I-fried-the-immobilizer dumb shish"

^ possible?! got brake lights

[Boxtaboy]

Nice flipper mod. I provided the link cause I saw there was a workaround there. Glad it works. Not sure what else it could be though. Shouldn't be the immobilizer cause you were able to start the car.

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Nice flipper mod. I provided the link cause I saw there was a workaround there. Glad it works. Not sure what else it could be though. Shouldn't be the immobilizer cause you were able to start the car.

Dont care anymore what it is, already texted "I'm buying lunch tomorrow" to my indy

Man, can you imagine having to 'drag' this old mum onto a flatbed?! 20 years old gears and shafts loll ouch. As long is it moves I'm cool.

I'll report back what it was anyway. Again, appreciated for the link up, brother

[Boxtaboy]

Anytime. Glad it doesn't have to go on the dreaded flatbed.

[eicheldp]

Please report back on what caused the lock up. Since I am afflicted with the same type of transmission. It's always best to be well informed.

PS Good to have you back Fred. You were missed.
Don

[AndyA6]

Just a thought and I don't know if this is correct....

There are little magnets right under the "curtain" which moves with the shifter. Possible that one of the magnets fell off thus preventing the shift. These magnets are really small, maybe 2-3 mm.

Worth a look? Easy DIY

Later,
Andy

[Nine8Six]

Andy - 2mm magnets can't be an easy diy. Especially if they are hidden under something. You are pulling my leg right? If not then I'll let my Indy's accountant check this out... she sure got longer tools (finger nails) than mine.

Hey Don, ok, I'll fill in when I find out. Not the type of wheel-weight you need on a trip out of town. Keep that "Press Stick + Twist Key" trick in mind. (Been a while bud, good to see you here!)

You need that RAID steering wheel with the paddle shifters, super cool... 145 more horsepower

[Xpit77]

Did you disconnect the shifter linkage from the transmission ? Sometimes the pivot pin on the tranny becomes corroded and seizes. Simple fix.Clean the pin with emory cloth reconnect.Or it could be the ignition switch. They can cause these problems too.

[Nine8Six]

Yep, most likely the ign switch or something related to te ign. Mechanically there is no problem, I can with the tip Boxtaboy provided gear normally. No worries there.

We'll see, I'll report when I find out. ps: preliminary/visual troubleshooting; my indy is clueless also, doesn't look good. He is a Porsche car expert, 12~15year exp.

Fingers crossed. Thanks my friend

[eicheldp]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

You need that RAID steering wheel with the paddle shifters, super cool... 145 more horsepower

Hey Fred, I thought about the change over (+145 HP would be exciting), but I have that option straight from the factory.

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo (low light and poor flash).