I've been stuck in park on and off for about a month now. I talked to my friend who is a VW audi tech (but just got laid off!).

He said the brake switch on these german cars fail alot. So i started the car and looked to see if the brake lights came on, they did. so that kinda rules out the brake switch.

Next: I pulled the whole center console out, traying to get to the shift lock solenoid! but i cant figure out how to remove the ashtray so im kinda stuck there.

Then online someone said to check fuse #31 (Tail lights,cruise control, transmission) that fuse is fine. upon removal and leaving it removed the car shifts on demand! also the break lights still work!

I guess my question is What the hell is wrong with this thing?

Can it still be the brake switch or the shift lock?

 

the brake switch is behind the brake pedal and yea they do fail, cheap and easy fix.. just remove the knee bolster and you should see a white thing by the brake pedal

 

Thanks man. it seems to be working but i guess i should replace it anyway, just to be safe.

 

worth a shot.

 

Manual transmissions do not have this problem.