1999 Tiptronic Issue

[Mark Schuler]

I have a 1999 C4 that I use as a daily driver. It has the stock, early Tiptronic transmission. My 35 mile commute brought me to work and the car was perfect. I returned to the car 30 minutes later. I backed out of the parking space and the car would not go into drive. I moved it into neutral and back to park. I attempted numerous times to get the car into drive without luck. Reverse fine, slides into neutral no problem. Stops before drive. It feels as if it is a mechanical issue.

1) Is there separate linkage for drive?
2) I have read some threads about a possible brake switch issue, but I am unclear if that pertains to this model of ZF transmission
3) I am stuck buying an entirely new shifter assembly? $1200??

Thank you,
Mark

[Loren]

Sometimes the magnet on the shifter falls and jams the shifter so it won't go down far enough - is that what is happening?

Also, always a good idea to inspect the shift linkage under the car on the side of the transmission for damage.