Karpedmman

Move the shift lever a bit forward, a bit harder and car starts. Does anyone know how that "switch" in the shift lever area is activated telling the ECU that the car is in Park-therefore the engine can be started? Maybe this is a simple fix like some wd-40 in a plunger switch.

'97 A8
172k Miles (Does anyone have more miles?)

PaulW

I don't know what you meant by nothing happens....but there is a mechanical cable that runs from the shifter to the ignition switch....can't even remember exactly what it does but I'm thinking it won't let you shift out of park unless the ignition switch is turned on.

Did the switch turn but it did not start the car?

Tell me more.

pw

Karpedmman

Key turns fine. Just NOTHING happens when you turn the key. Play with the gear lever (no jokes please) and it magically works. That is why I'm thinking there is some sort of plunger switch inside the shift gate that "tells" the ignition that the gear lever is in "park" and the car can be started.

Any trips planned to Manitowoc?

PaulW

They have a history of going bad....I'm almost going to say it's that instead...it's a $35 part....

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/electrical_equipment/ignition1.JPG"><ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/electrical_equipment/ignswitchreplace.html">http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/electrical_equipment/ignswitchreplace.html</a</li></ul>

Egil A64.2s - S6

Usually, according to him, the result of having too heavy a weight of keys on the key chain, like I do ;-)

Karpedmman

But Paul doesn't the car still start with the broken switch? Besed on the write-up it sounds like the car still starts but the lights, radio etc won't go on until the key is turned counter-clockwise a notch.

PaulW

Maybe the jiggle from the tranny cable is helping the switch out.....but I really don't know.

Does the switch still have the strong spring back from the "start" position to the "run" position?

pw

Karpedmman

money thinking it MIGHT be the switch I will just see if it gets worse. Thanks Paul!

When are you heading to Spain?