fredmatuszewski@yahoo.com

I have a no crank,no power to the starter solenoid.The starter will engage and start the engine if battery voltage is applied to the start terminal on the starter solenoid. The instrument cluster is inoperative,tachometer,speedometer,gauges and idiot lights. The transmission (auto) will not shift manually into low, and seems to start out and remain in what I believe is second gear with no up-shift, selector in D. The car does have reverse. These issues arose when I tried to energize the top release (lock)solenoid located in the upper left windshield frame. Access to the top lock solenoid wiring was gained at the top release switch in the center console. All fuses have been checked multiple times. Thanx Matt

Rusty Spokes

The first suspect when things start going wonky is the ignition switch. If you are not getting power to the "50" wire to the starter it could be a bad switch..You will want an OEM switch from the dealer..aftermarket switches are a problem..should be part number 4A0 905 849B..double check.

I don't know about the over-ride trick..there is a key slot above the driver's side sun-visor to release the top lock solenoid. Hard to see..it is there. Insert your ignition key will release the top lock.

Sounds like when you powered up the release solenoid from the switch it may have confused or maybe damaged some of the computers.

Sounds like the transmission is in "fail-safe" mode..second forward gear only.

You can use a paper clip to check and clear engine codes: 12v Pages - Maintenance

For checking the transmission and top you may need an adapter and VCDS lite program from Ross-Tech: Ross-Tech: The 2 x 2 Port in Older Cars