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Audi A6 C5 1997-2004: Why is My Auto Gearbox Stuck in Park?

A fairly common problem among Audi owners is a gear shift that gets stuck in park and won't shift. Here's how to get moving again.

By Jeffrey Smith - July 11, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 (1997-2004).

If you have ever hopped in your car and tried to take off but found your gear shift won't shift out of park, you aren't alone. There are only a few causes for this issue, and we'll dive into each item to get you back on the road again. Most things are easily solvable by you, right on the spot. Other things may require a professional to resolve, but you'll know exactly what to tell your mechanic to get right to the problem and saving you some labor charges. Read on to learn what your problem could be and how to fix it, or what you need to do to get it corrected.

Audi A6 C5 1997-2004 Why is My Auto Gearbox Stuck in Park?

Materials Needed

  • Ratchet and socket set
  • Dowel rod or pen, or long handled screwdriver
  • Replacement brake light switch

Step 1 – Check your brake light switch

There is a brake/shifter interlock controlled by this switch.

The brake light switch not only controls your brake lights, it also sends the signal to the shifter to allow you to shift out of park. Water damage is a huge factor in the malfunctioning of this switch. The switch is also made up of mostly plastic parts, which will wear down with use. This is a pretty easy replacement that you should have no trouble completing yourself.

You can test if this is the problem by having an assistant step on the pedal while you watch the brake lights. If the switch is bad, the lights should not come on when the pedal is pressed.

  • Remove the five bolts that mount the driver's side lower dashboard cover.
  • Unplug the data link and foot light connections.
  • Remove the cover and set aside.
  • Locate the long black brake light switch mounted to the pedal hanger.
  • Twist the black switch and pull it out, then press in the tabs to disconnect it.
  • Replace with a new switch and reinstall.
  • Replace the data link, the foot light and remount the cover.
  • Your car should be able to shift out of park and get you running again.
  • Remove the five bolts to open the cover and disconnect the light as well as the data link and set the unit aside
    Figure 1. Remove the five bolts to open the cover and disconnect the light as well as the data link and set the unit aside.
  • Remove and replace this brake light switch to get you back on the road again
    Figure 2. Remove and replace this brake light switch to get you back on the road again.

If the switch isn't the problem or you can't replace it, there is a quick way to get the car in gear and on the road to the shop.

Step 2 – Manually unlock your gear shift

There is a manual override to get you temporarily back on the road.

  • From the driver's seat, open the ashtray.
  • Remove the insert (it pulls right out with no tools needed).
  • Locate the two holes under the insert.
  • Use a pen, dowel or other tool in the hole on the right to press down.
  • You should now be able to shift out of park.
  • If the brake lights are not working, you should only drive to your nearest dealer to have the switch fixed.
  • If the manual override works, and the brake light isn't bad, you likely have a bad transmission control module
  • Flip open the ash tray
    Figure 3. Flip open the ashtray.
  • Remove the insert
    Figure 4. Remove the ashtray insert.
  • Insert your tool of choice into the right side hole and press down to disengage the shifter lock
    Figure 5. Insert your tool of choice into the right side hole and press down to disengage the shifter lock.

If manual override doesn't work, you should check out your transmission control module (TCM).

Step 3 – Inspect your transmission control module

The transmission control module (TCM) could be bad or shorted out.

The TCM in this generation of Audi is located under the carpet on the passenger side floor. If you live in an area prone to rain, it may have gotten wet and shorted out. Visually check the TCM for dampness, rust or other signs that it is bad. You have to remove the kick panel and possible the door sills on the passenger side to be able to pull up the carpet and check it out.

The TCM can be replaced relatively easily once you find a cheap replacement from a junk yard, on eBay or through various vendors.

  • Remove the passenger side kick panel trim and door sill.
  • Lift up the carpet on the floor.
  • You will find the TCM inside the transmission control unit (TCU).
  • Pull the TCU out and replace the TCM.
  • Check your windshield seal and sunroof for leaks where water may have gotten in.
Figure 6. The TCM may have shorted or otherwise gone bad which could cause a myriad of problems, including a non working shifter.

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