My 2nd day of driving my Audi around and I LOVE IT. So I gave the A4 a good wash, cleaned the engine with citrus cleaner and engine degreaser. I was planning on insuring the car tomorrow so I can start driving it around the island until I noticed today that I was going nowhere in reverse gear... Reverse lights are working, all gear selections are lit up on my cluster: PRND432. All other gears work though... Im lost! Is my trans done for? Its an automatic.

 

You wouldn't be wrong,in that being your 1st conclusion but there is a small chance,that your TCM=transmission control module is malfunctioning.

I think there is a smaller chance,that your transmission fluid is low and is causing your issue,being it would effect shifting in other gears and not just reverse but it is possible.

There is a cable/connector under the car,called a safety switch,it can sometimes get really dirty or get wet,if this is the case,it can cause a malfunction in the transmission,check it for debris or moisture.

Worst case scenario ,your tranny has a mechanical failure and needs to be either rebuilt or replaced.

I know 1st hand as i had my tranny replaced last year but i never had a issue,where i could not go in reverse. I just couldn't shift into 4th or 5th gear,only 1st,2nd and 3rd.

1st pull your TCM and look to see if the contacts are corroded and need to be cleaned or buy a used one at a junk yard or eBay.

The transmission control module is located,under the passenger side,floor.

 

Is there a way to diagnose the TCM for failure?

How do I check the fluid level? I see no dipstick for the transmission, just the engine oil.

I checked the safety switch, it was soaked with water and the terminals inside looked a little corroded... I sprayed it with some CRC Electronic Connector Cleaner hoping that cleans it up. Is there a way to test the safety switch as well?

I sure hope not... Rebuilding autos are hella expensive...

Also... This car does not rotate/turn over and start with either of its keys. I have a switch wired to the starter that's making the car start. Don't know if that's another symptom or not?

 

I'm almost certain,its your neutral safety switch,being soaked with water and corroded.

Our transmissions are seal,there isn't a dip stick. You have to remove the drain plug,then check for level of the fluid.

You need a vag-com to check the TCM for codes.

Buy a 3rd party vag-com for 10.00 on Ebay and download the free vds lite and scan for codes.

The car not starting with the keys,says your ignition switch,needs to be replaced.

 

I ordered one today from RockAuto, it was hella expensive for a switch! More than I'm used to at least lol

How do I remove the drain plug? Looks like I might need a special tool to do it?

Looking for one right now.
EDIT: Ordered a Vag-Com off ebay. $17

I replaced that a week ago, no change. I got a Chilton manual when I first bought the car and went through the troubleshooting guide, the safety switch going bad so far explains why the car wont start with its keys and the recent no reverse issue (because the trans went into limp mode?)

 

You're in what is referred to as "limp mode". According to the manual, if all of your gear selections are lit up in the dash your TCM is active. Check your transmission fluid using the fill hole, not the drain hole. It will take either a 14mm or 17mm hex bit. I can't remember which size it is. Do a search for checking transmission fluid, many people have been asking about it lately. Having the connector for your neutral safety switch (aka multifunction switch) corrode seems to be a common issue. Clean it up and that will more than likely fix your problem. Having a bad TCM usually isn't the case for these symptoms. Once you've cleaned up your connection, you'll need to clear your codes using vag-com. Even if you've fixed the problem, it won't come out of limp mode until you've cleared the codes.

 

I bought a VAG-COM off ebay for $18. I ran the program and installed the software, but when I click on the icon ion my computer, nothing opens. I also downloaded a VCDS Lite(whatever that is) and it showed this:


VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.1
Monday, 23 April 2012, 15:39:46.


Chassis Type: 8D - Audi A4 B5
Scan: 01,02,03,08,15,16,17,25,35,37,45,55,56,57,67,75,76 ,77

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: Redir Fail!
Controller: 8D0 907 558 M
Component: 1.8L R4/5VT MOTR AT D01
Coding: 06051
Shop #: WSC 42025
VCID: 3B09B4EF3A6B
5 Faults Found:
18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30: Voltage too Low
P1602 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
18021 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P1613 - 35-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent
16946 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P0562 - 35-10 - Please Register/Activate - Intermittent
17092 - Transmission Range Sensor (F125): Signal too High
P0708 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
18032 - Shareware Version. To Decode all DTCs
P1624 - 35-00 - Please Register/Activate
Readiness: 0110 0101

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 4D0-907-379-ABS.LBL
Controller: 4D0 907 379 G
Component: ABS/EDS BOSCH 5 4175
Coding: 0265109001
Shop #: BB 34175
VCID: 321799CBED21
No fault code found.

So what do I do from here exactly?

 

Hi...i have a 98.5 A4 1.8T with similar issues. I changed out the range switch (twice), and even switched out the TCM...but I still do not have Reverse or will not shift out of 1st. No error codes on Vag com.

Would like to know if you were able to get your A4 up and running. Thanks.

 

I was, it turned out to be the TR switch. There may be others on this forum who can help you figure out your specific situation. Im new to Audi's so I dont really have the know how to help... Hope you get the problem fixed!