Jay Sjostrom

Location: Edina MN

2007 Audi A8 4.2l -110,000 mi.

Will not start in P or N; all electrical seem to be working; cannot move gear shift lever out of park without utilizing shift release mechanism. Dash warning light "Parking Brake Malfunction" appears. (Also, adaptable suspension shows "Lift" - not sure this is relevant.)

Have checked Parking Brake fuse; have disconnected and reconnected battery; car seems to be trying to "cycle through" its typical startup, but when key is turned or Start Button pushed nothing happens. Dash warning light appears "Parking Brake Malfunction".

Any ideas/solution to "limp" it to the yet undetermined independent shop would be welcomed.
Thanks for your attention to this.
Jay

Doc_A8

This may, or may not be your issue- but here's what happened to mine.

FWIW, my "lift" light was not illuminated.

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...-work-2905353/

Doc_A8

Cliff Notes: There's a relay near the air compressor relay under the dash- Terminal 15 relay. It's a $38 part and completely disables your vehicle when it goes bad. Replacing it is easy- and in no way representative of the pain in the butt that part gives you when it fails.

Jay Sjostrom

Thanks Doc - I did read that extensive forum post earlier and will refer back asap. Brake lights do work. By the way, I did replace the Brake Pedal Switch one year ago by limping into an Audi dealership in Cape Cod - 1500 miles from home. Until now no problem except I can't limp anywhere this time. I will take a look at air compressor relay - but would its failure cause the Parking Brake warning light?

MP4.2+6.0

I think he is talking about a master relay that controls engine functions more generally. Don't know where it is on 4.2. On W12 it is in a plastic box all by itself under one of the ECU's. I know about it there from a one time light show I got on W12. Unplugged and replugged it in, and self cured.

I was also going to suggest brake light switch as known failure points, but sounds like you have BTDT. Assuming newer design and you got back it in without messing up the one time set and forget, seems unlikely it would be DOA again.

As always, a VCDS scan would probably tell you where the issue is. $199 for life or 3 cars... Gonna pay the indy that most likely, and more.

Jay Sjostrom

Doc - By the way, have you had any problems since replacing the air compressor relay on 12/14/16?

Jay

Jay Sjostrom

Correction: I am referring to the relay near the air compressor, not the air compressor relay. Sorry!

MP4.2+6.0

One more suggestion still focused on relay dealing with engine functions generally, regardless of location. On my W12 with the one light show I had, unplugging the relevant relay and plugging back in reset it for me.

But...try a simpler version that works once in a while for the light show haunted house afflictions D3's get: simply undo battery connection, wait 30-60 minutes, and reconnect. Nothing to lose but a short time out to check.

Scan would still help to know issue for longer term possible fix, even if low tech battery disconnect resets it.

Doc_A8

The terminal 15 relay has eliminated all of my problems associated with the no start since I purchased a VW relay to replace the cheapies I picked up on Amazon.

Jay Sjostrom

I am off to the VW dealer for the relay. Will work on it this weekend. Thanks!