C5 CRUZR

Has this happened to anyone else? 2002 A4. Shifted into park. Let off brake. Car was in reverse! Noticed it right away. Applied brake to stop. :mad Then noticed that the shifter seemed to be off one or two positions. :rolleyes: Example: Park = Reverse. Between Park and Reverse = Neutral. Neutral = 3rd. I didn't shut it off. Instead I drove home carefully. (Wasn't sure what might happen next.) Shut off car at home. Now, of course, it won't start since I can't make it "think" that it's in Park. :cry

Mechanically the shifter feels almost normal (slight looseness). When in the Park position, it locks there as if the linkage is working properly; but, it is really in reverse. Anyway to fix this without having it hauled off to the dealer? :eek: :eek:

lotzahp

happened to my 98 A4 a while back. The shifter cable bracket under the center console came loose, so the cable couldn't extend the correct lengths - thus the offset gear selection.

Slide the shifter back and forth (Park thru D1) and it may extend into Park for ya. Then call dealer for tow truck.

Mike Mercury

something in the linkage must of slipped. If you can get the car up enough, you can look at where the linkage is attached to the drivesr side of the tranny and see what might have went wrong.

Although I have never tried this on my Corvette, you might also be able to start the car in neutral... to get you by until it can be looked at

gasboy

press firmly on brake pedal,turn key to start while moving the shifter through all positions.there will probably be a spot where it will start.

C5 CRUZR

Thanks for the suggestions. I would think that I should be able to locate the spot where the car "thinks" it's in Neutral; but, I've tried starting it throughout the entire range of shifter motion to no avail. Reckon that I'll call GM for a tow. :cuss

WALLstAL

Yep, tow truck time! :mad