Tiptronic shifting into "P" but dash shows "R" and won

[mikesz]

the latest ailment afflicting my 99 Boxster Base Tiptronic is I stop the car and shift into "Park". the car is in Park and I shut the car off. I get back in and the car won't start. I thought it might be the ignition but I realized when I go to start the car even thought the shifter is in Park the indicator on the dash says its in R. When I turn the key and shift it out of park then push kind of hard into park the indicator shows it in Park then I can start the car. I am guessing there is some sort of a switch in the console? Does anyone have experience with this and can give me some guidance?

[Richard Hamilton]

It could be the lever linkage/cable, but it sounds typical of what happens when the multi-function switch starts to fail.  The switch is on the side of the transmission, and it is fairly common for the switch contacts to break up inside, giving false readings to the Tiptronic control module (and hence the dash lights).

[mikesz]

any idea of part number or a schematic where this switch is?

[Richard Hamilton]

This should help: http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/43637-no-reverse-light-20012-tip/?hl=function#entry234173

Just look at the diagram from JFP, and the photo from Loren, which show the same ZF box as used in the Boxster.

Edited July 26, 2014 by Richard Hamilton

[JFP in PA]

any idea of part number or a schematic where this switch is?

 

Original part #986-325-612-01, but that may have been superseded, so check with a dealer.  Retails for around $400.

[mikesz]

$400 well I will have to find out who is parting out a tip!

[JFP in PA]

$400 well I will have to find out who is parting out a tip!

 

Just be aware that these things wear with use, so buying a used unit could put you a couple of shifts away from the same place you are now..............

[mikesz]

@JFP yes I know exactly what you are saying and agree with you. But since I am the primary mechanic on the job I don't worry about labor costs! 

[mikesz]

just checked pelican $300 but out of stock. Has anyone done this on their own car? Any way to be sure this is the issue?

[Richard Hamilton]

First off check the linkage at the transmission end. If you get it hooked up to a Porsche tester, you can display the MFS switches in the Input Signals section of the Tiptronic control module. You can then move the stick, and see if the switch signals correspond to the stick positions. You may also find a fault code registered in the Tip module.

[wang]

1999 boxster - 42500 miles tiptronic

 

not only the same problem of park and reverse also flashing back and forth

between 4th and drive.  did not hit anything

 

went to a local mechanic with 36 years of transmission experience.  non porsche.

 

20 mintues of using a 12" long screwdriver and crowbar he "adjusted" the linkage

by moving the linkage back and forth againist the transmission case. not the adjusting screw.

while his apprentice was in the car moving the shift lever at his request.

he then sprayed the linkage with a wd40 type oil and told me when it dries it will solidify to grease.

$40.  drove 75 miles no more blinking lights.

 

wang