Transmission and dash lights not working properly

AUSTIN5432W33

MEMBER
1999 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

My car shifts manually through first, second and third, but if you put it in drive it won't shift into fourth or fifth. Maybe the transmission is low on fluid or a solenoid went bad? Guy I bought it from said the transmission was replaced and been sitting ever sense because he got a new car. Just wanted to see if anyone has the same or similar problem and knows the fix?
Also, when I move the shifter all the power to the dash turns off maybe a short? Or a bad ground? I'm leaning towards a ground because when I move the shifter around in park the lights turn back on but when I put it in any other gear they turn off and stay off also the heater stopped working and there is a clicking coming from the hazard button constantly. Let me know if you have any answers. Thank you

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,526 POSTS

Hello,

Lets check the fuses and run the codes. first here are two guides and the fuse panel diagrams below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Fuses:

1 - Heated washer nozzles, heated outside mirrors 10A
2 - Turn signal system 10A
3 - Illumination 5A
4 - License plate light 5A
5 - Comfort system 7.5A
6 - Central locking system 5A
7 - Back-up lights 10A
8 - Telephone system 5A
9 - ABS 5A
10 - Engine control, gasoline 10A
11 - Instrument cluster, shift lock 5A
12 - B+ (battery positive voltage) for DLC 7.5A
13 - Brake lights 10A
14 - Interior lights, with central locking 10A
- Interior lights, only 5A
15 - Instrument cluster, automatic transmission 5A
16 - A/C-clutch, electrical water pump 10A
17 - Door lock heater 7.5A
18 - Right headlight, high beam 10A
19 - Left headlight, high beam 10A
20 - Right headlight, low beam 15A
21 - Left headlight, low beam 15A
22 - Sidemarker lights, right 5A
23 - Sidemarker lights, left 5A
24 - Wiper system, washer pump 20A
25 - Fresh air blower, air conditioning 25A
26 - Rear window defogger 25A
27 - Daytime running lights 10A
28 - Fuel pump (FP) 15A
29 - Engine control, gasoline 15A
- Engine control, diesel 10A
30 - Sunroof 20A
31 - Automatic transmission 20A
32 - Engine control, injectors, gasoline 10A
- Engine control, injectors, diesel 15A
33 - Headlight washer system 20A
34 - Engine control 10A
35 - Trailer socket 30A
36 - Fog lights 15A
37 - Radio system 10A
38 - Luggage compartment light, central locking system 15A
39 - Emergency flasher system 15A
40 - Dual horn 20A
41 - Cigarette lighter, 12V power outlets 15A
42 - Radio system 25A
43 - Engine control 10A
44 - Heated seats 15A

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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