Hello,

I bought this 97 for my son this fall, it has 124k on it and has been meticulously cared for by the previous owner who purchased the car new. A couple of days ago, I went to move it out of the driveway to get my truck out, I backed it down the driveway in reverse (it's an automatic by the way) and when I put it back into D, it wouldn't move, it just revs and feels like there is a "little" bit of forward pull, but not much. If if shift the selector down to 2, it works normally. After it is moving, I can shift it back into D and it upshifts, kicks down, downshifts and works perfectly. As long as I don't come to a complete stop, it works fine. If I stop, then it has the same issue. Because the transmission works so flawlessly up and down the range, I have a hard time believing that it is a hydraulic problem within the tranny? Does anyone have any ideas? It seems to me like it is an electrical issue or a sensor that is not reading properly? I did disconnect the battery and leave it overnight, but the symptom remains. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Anyone??? Please!

 

I'd get the transmission controller scanned using VAG-COM/VCDS software and an OBDll diagnostic cable. Maybe there is a "range switch" problem, but it sounds from your description like the TCM doesn't set the solenoids for first gear after a stop.

 

mbenoy119 Did you ever get the transmission problem figured out? I have a 1996 A4 Quattro that won,t go into reverse. The problem is sporatic. Doing research, I thought it was the Transmission Control Module under the floor on the passenger side. I dug it out and found there was water there (long story). Dried it out and still no revverse. I have also seen a video that talks about the Transmission Range Sensor. The part is on the side of the transmission (driver's side) from under the car. Not sure what my problem is, but according to the video.....everything lights up normal and the car shifts normal when I drive it.

Just curious if you solved your problem and what it was.

 

Try disconnecting the electrical connector for the transmission, either at the driver's side CV flange, or the TCM. The transmission should go into reverse I believe, and 4th gear forward. If no reverse at all, the problem probably is internal, say the sprag clutch.