DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P

vlakka · 19-04-2008, 22:13

Hi everybody! I am an owner of an Octy 2.o TDi DSG Elegance from France (so excuse my English) who has been surfing this forum for some time.

I used to be a very happy owner of my 2007 Octy until a few months ago, when I encountered the following issue:

First time in december and second time two weeks ago in the morning when I tried to start the car, I found out the DSG gearbox was stuck in P, with P R N D S lights flashing. When pressing the brake pedal the green light did not go off and the gear lever could not be moved out of P. I would like to mention that the car had been parked the correct way: brake pedal on - gear lever to P - handbreak applied - brake pedal off - key off. The car was not downhill or uphill. With the lights blinking and the contact off I could not remove the key. After several attempts ignition on and off I could remove the key, but still the lights were flashing and no way to take it out of P. After some more attempts ignition on and off the blinking went away, pressing the brake pedal turned off the green light and the DSG worked fine.

I have been to two dealers who tested it with the VAS and found no error saved. Has any of you encountered the same problem and what do you think I should do ?

Cheers

Vlakka

Tom_vRS · 19-04-2008, 22:26

It sounds like a nightmare all round - nothing worse than an intermittant fault like this.

I'd put it in writing what you have experienced so its logged, and fingers crossed it doesn't happen again. A dealer can't be expected to repair a problem that doesn't exist when they have the car to look at, but at the same time you want them to aknowledge you have experienced a problem so its ultimately still covered by your warranty.

I'ma bit disappointed by the recent spate of DSG problem threads

Was looking forward to owning one sometime in the future...

Welcome to the forum btw

Fluffmeister · 19-04-2008, 22:59

have a read of page 154 of the manual

I don't know the fault, but there is an emergency programme you can use if the DSG box experiences the problem you are having.

I have a DSG, but have not "touch wood" had any problems. Just in case your manual is not to hand (And I should be playing COD4 now, not typing manuals out

)

"The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are functional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of the segments in the display lighting up or going out.

In case of interuption of power supply or defect of the selector lever lock, the selector lever can can no longer be shifted from position P in the normal way and the vehicle can no longer be moved. The selector lever must be unlocked in case of emergency.

1. Apply handbrake firmly

2. Open front stowage compartment in front centre console

3.carefully pull up the front left and right cover

4. pull up rear cover

5. Press with narrow object (eg ignition key or screwdriver) the yellow plastic hoop -arrow- to the left

6. Simultaneously press the shiftlock button in the handle of the selector to position N

There has to be some kind of fault on the car, do you have anyone near you in France with VAG-COM?

Ray_Green · 20-04-2008, 06:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_vRS

It sounds like a nightmare all round - nothing worse than an intermittant fault like this.

I'ma bit disappointed by the recent spate of DSG problem threads

Was looking forward to owning one sometime in the future...

If you do Tom, you will wonder how you lived without it!

Lummox · 20-04-2008, 07:41

Could be a faulty brake light switch.

Ray.Ward · 20-04-2008, 08:37

I was thinking something similar to do with the actual brake pedal not correctly notifying the car that the brake pedal has been applied.

I would have expected this to be something they would have checked at the dealer?

Would the rear brake light illuminate with a faulty brake switch?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_vRS

I'ma bit disappointed by the recent spate of DSG problem threads

Was looking forward to owning one sometime in the future...

It is a little concerning about the sudden DSG issues threads.

richardjh · 20-04-2008, 17:03

could you feel the interlock solenoid on the gear change selector releasing/engaging as you pressed/released the brake pedal?

vlakka · 20-04-2008, 20:55

Thanks for all your contributions.

richardjh> no sound whatsoever could be heard while pressing the brake pedal (I know well the sound of the gear lever solenoid); I noticed when I press the lock on the stick there is a sound coming from underneath the steering wheel near the keyhole. Maybe it's actually the lock on the stick that is to blame (one mechanic suggested that) - when the stick got stuck in P, at first, I also couldn't remove the key.

Lummox · 20-04-2008, 21:05

It could be something as simple as the brake light switch, they have two parts so the lights will still work but the ecu side of things might not. Without a signal from the switch the interlock wont release meaning you cant get it out of park.

vlakka · 20-04-2008, 21:14

Lummox> You might be right. Tonight the engine stalled when I moved the stick from P to D with the brakes on. When restarting the engine everything worked OK.

Lady Elanore · 20-04-2008, 21:16

My DSG could be a little sticky coming out of ‘P’. It was usually caused by the car moving very slightly when in P mode as the handbrake was applied. A bit like trying to remove a centre diff lock if there is any load/torque being applied to it. Rocking the car back and forth would free the lock. I once tried this with my DSG and it seemed to work.

vlakka · 20-04-2008, 21:21

Lady Elanore> my problem is different because PRNDS lights were flashing and the safety was on (green light on) although I kept pressing the brake pedal

Lady Elanore · 20-04-2008, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlakka

Lady Elanore> my problem is different because PRNDS lights were flashing and the safety was on (green light on) although I kept pressing the brake pedal

I never noticed if mine flashed or if the dash light was on or not as in the mornings I am not really sane. I think I just yanked on it really hard and it came good.

slider · 21-04-2008, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlakka

Thanks for all your contributions.

richardjh> no sound whatsoever could be heard while pressing the brake pedal (I know well the sound of the gear lever solenoid); I noticed when I press the lock on the stick there is a sound coming from underneath the steering wheel near the keyhole. Maybe it's actually the lock on the stick that is to blame (one mechanic suggested that) - when the stick got stuck in P, at first, I also couldn't remove the key.

If you have your hand on the gearshift when you touch the footbrake you should feel the solenoid clicking in and out

vlakka · 21-04-2008, 14:53

slider> you're right, you can hear the solenoid when pressing the brake, but you can also hear the solenoid that prevents the key to be extracted while the stick is not in P when you press the button on the stick; while lights were flashing none of these could be heard/felt

what i find incredible is that although PRNDS lights flashed twice (in december and in april) no error was stored in the computer; so while actually the computer acknowledged the error no record of it exists! strange!

19-04-2008, 22:13	#1
vlakka Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P Hi everybody! I am an owner of an Octy 2.o TDi DSG Elegance from France (so excuse my English) who has been surfing this forum for some time. I used to be a very happy owner of my 2007 Octy until a few months ago, when I encountered the following issue: First time in december and second time two weeks ago in the morning when I tried to start the car, I found out the DSG gearbox was stuck in P, with P R N D S lights flashing. When pressing the brake pedal the green light did not go off and the gear lever could not be moved out of P. I would like to mention that the car had been parked the correct way: brake pedal on - gear lever to P - handbreak applied - brake pedal off - key off. The car was not downhill or uphill. With the lights blinking and the contact off I could not remove the key. After several attempts ignition on and off I could remove the key, but still the lights were flashing and no way to take it out of P. After some more attempts ignition on and off the blinking went away, pressing the brake pedal turned off the green light and the DSG worked fine. I have been to two dealers who tested it with the VAS and found no error saved. Has any of you encountered the same problem and what do you think I should do ? Cheers Vlakka

19-04-2008, 22:26	#2
Tom_vRS Briskodaholic Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Fenland, Cambridgeshire Posts: 11,052 Thanks: 622 Thanked 375 Times in 256 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P It sounds like a nightmare all round - nothing worse than an intermittant fault like this. I'd put it in writing what you have experienced so its logged, and fingers crossed it doesn't happen again. A dealer can't be expected to repair a problem that doesn't exist when they have the car to look at, but at the same time you want them to aknowledge you have experienced a problem so its ultimately still covered by your warranty. I'ma bit disappointed by the recent spate of DSG problem threads Was looking forward to owning one sometime in the future... Welcome to the forum btw __________________ 97/R BMW 328i in Boston Green. Don't miss the new DR COLORCHIPS GROUP BUY!

19-04-2008, 22:59	#3
Fluffmeister Hi! I'm Vermin Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North West UK Posts: 3,218 Thanks: 70 Thanked 125 Times in 99 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P have a read of page 154 of the manual I don't know the fault, but there is an emergency programme you can use if the DSG box experiences the problem you are having. I have a DSG, but have not "touch wood" had any problems. Just in case your manual is not to hand (And I should be playing COD4 now, not typing manuals out ) "The gearbox operates in a corresponding emergency programme if there are functional faults in the gearbox electronics. This is indicated by all of the segments in the display lighting up or going out. In case of interuption of power supply or defect of the selector lever lock, the selector lever can can no longer be shifted from position P in the normal way and the vehicle can no longer be moved. The selector lever must be unlocked in case of emergency. 1. Apply handbrake firmly 2. Open front stowage compartment in front centre console 3.carefully pull up the front left and right cover 4. pull up rear cover 5. Press with narrow object (eg ignition key or screwdriver) the yellow plastic hoop -arrow- to the left 6. Simultaneously press the shiftlock button in the handle of the selector to position N There has to be some kind of fault on the car, do you have anyone near you in France with VAG-COM? __________________ All you need in life is HERE The path to enlightenment lies before you ..... HERE Briskoda Bikers social group > Clicky

20-04-2008, 07:41	#5
Lummox U18 Automotive Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,805 Thanks: 22 Thanked 658 Times in 554 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P Could be a faulty brake light switch. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

20-04-2008, 17:03	#7
richardjh Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P could you feel the interlock solenoid on the gear change selector releasing/engaging as you pressed/released the brake pedal?

20-04-2008, 20:55	#8
vlakka Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P Thanks for all your contributions. richardjh> no sound whatsoever could be heard while pressing the brake pedal (I know well the sound of the gear lever solenoid); I noticed when I press the lock on the stick there is a sound coming from underneath the steering wheel near the keyhole. Maybe it's actually the lock on the stick that is to blame (one mechanic suggested that) - when the stick got stuck in P, at first, I also couldn't remove the key.

20-04-2008, 21:05	#9
Lummox U18 Automotive Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,805 Thanks: 22 Thanked 658 Times in 554 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P It could be something as simple as the brake light switch, they have two parts so the lights will still work but the ecu side of things might not. Without a signal from the switch the interlock wont release meaning you cant get it out of park. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

20-04-2008, 21:14	#10
vlakka Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P Lummox> You might be right. Tonight the engine stalled when I moved the stick from P to D with the brakes on. When restarting the engine everything worked OK.

20-04-2008, 21:16	#11
Lady Elanore Geordie Lass Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: in the ceiling watching you..... Posts: 10,241 Thanks: 214 Thanked 205 Times in 115 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P My DSG could be a little sticky coming out of ‘P’. It was usually caused by the car moving very slightly when in P mode as the handbrake was applied. A bit like trying to remove a centre diff lock if there is any load/torque being applied to it. Rocking the car back and forth would free the lock. I once tried this with my DSG and it seemed to work. __________________ . Amanda

20-04-2008, 21:21	#12
vlakka Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P Lady Elanore> my problem is different because PRNDS lights were flashing and the safety was on (green light on) although I kept pressing the brake pedal

21-04-2008, 14:53	#15
vlakka Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: DSG issue - gearbox stuck in P slider> you're right, you can hear the solenoid when pressing the brake, but you can also hear the solenoid that prevents the key to be extracted while the stick is not in P when you press the button on the stick; while lights were flashing none of these could be heard/felt what i find incredible is that although PRNDS lights flashed twice (in december and in april) no error was stored in the computer; so while actually the computer acknowledged the error no record of it exists! strange!

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