Hi all, today as I parked up and tried to put the auto shift lever into 'park' the button on the side of the selector lever, once depressed, would not return, and I could not get the car out of either neutral or drive. I had to leave the car in this condition with the ignition key still in the ignition and unable to lock the car and hope that the car was still there after a meeting with the bank manager. Fortunately everything was OK and I returned home but now the car is immobile since I can't select reverse to back out of my drive. I have had the car from new, it is a 1998 1.9 tdi auto. I have searched the threads and there is one article which suggests that if you engage 3rd (which I can't) you can release a chrome plated sleeve and yank off the selector lever. I am a long retired mechanical engineer when all electrical problems were solved by changing a fuse. Any help would be most appreciated. Ron. Rising inflation, diminishing pension, so I must fix it myself some how!

 

I would pull out the spring loaded button back to its original place, and hope you can shift into all the gears. There are lots of threads to disassemble the console and automatic shifter, lots of headaches and problems. Try this first, of course, wiggle steering wheel, jiggle shifter, pray for the key to come out, step on the brake, and wait for the battey to go dead because the key leaves the car in accessory position, running fans, radio, etc. Good luck