Transmission locked

Tiny
CDN IN MEXICO
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
The car all of a sudden the transmission would not change gear. I have had this problem before-but when the battery died. The battery is new and in good condition and the car starts perfectly. We had to tow the car. We had to use the yellow 'lever' button inside the automatic gear box inside the car to release the button to move the car to neutral to move the car. The light with the car and the squiggly lines is not on, on the dashboard. This was not on before. Unfortunately we cannon scan the car as we are in Mexico and they do not have this scanner. What would cause the transmission to lock? It is the tiptronic six speed auto transmission. I was thinking it could be the fluid but how would we check it as there is no dipstick on this vehicle? Ideas would be great as the car is locked and cannot be used.
Thanks, I await your ideas! Ryan
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 AT 9:07 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
Hi Ryan and thanks for using 2CarPros.

It sounds like the park interlock system is not working. In other words, the park release is not releasing the shifter. First, make sure the brake lights are working. Power to the park release actuator goes through that brake light switch.

If they work, check fuse 14, which is a 10 amp fuse, in the fuse box under the left side of the dash.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, December 1st, 2018 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
CDN IN MEXICO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi Joe, Thank you very much for your prompt answer! I will check the fuse. However, the car is a Jetta it was built in Mexico and when I checked the fuse box in the engine compartment (not the one you mentioned) there were no labels at all for the fuses! I have never seen this. I will check the fuse under the box in the dash where you said to check. Could there also be a fuse in the main engine compartment that needs to be checked? If so which one would it be as they are not labeled at all!
Thanks so much for your help, Ryan
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
CDN IN MEXICO
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hello Joe,
I checked the brake lights: they are working fine. I checked under the dash fuses-yes they were labelled as you said in very tiny numbers and I checked 14 and even switched it with another 10 amp fuse and still no change-the transmission will not shift gears. What should I try now? Thanks again a million!
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 7:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,052 POSTS
If all checks good, you need to check if there is power to the shift lock solenoid. I attached a picture of the wiring schematic. It is at the base of the shifter lever and will have two wires going to it. The switch should receive power when the brake is on and the engine running.

You can use a test light to check this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

If there is power to the switch and the other wire has ground, replace the switch.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, December 3rd, 2018 AT 5:15 PM

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