So yesterday I posted about starting issues. Got to really carefully tracing and checking last night and noticed something I had been missing. Every time the car will start, the CEL comes on briefly with the key on as it should, along with the EPC light. The light on the gear shifter next to the ‘P’ (the foot on brake light) is illuminated as well as the ‘P’ on the dash. The gear indicator on the dash also changes as you switch through the gears. When all of this happens the car will start 100% of the time.

Now, when the car will not turn over, no CEL or EPC light illuminate on the dash at all, ever. The ‘foot on brake light’ on the gear shifter comes on and goes off immediately, accompanied by 2 clicks within the gear shifter. Also, on the dash the ABS and ESP lights stay on instead of turning off after 2 seconds. The PRND432 is also entirely illuminated and will not indicate any specific gear choice. The car will never start when all of this occurs. Pics below.

After 6+ hrs in the garage and on the computer last night, I am pretty sure the Neutral Safety Switch is to blame. It seems to make the most sense given these newly noticed symptoms, and I read that when it’s acting up, all sorts of stuff can go haywire. This may explain all the codes, no?? Please let me know if this seems like a reasonable conclusion to this uncommon annoyance. Thanks!

 

Not it. Any suggestions that would cause this light sequence with no start??

 

I have the exact same issue with my 1997 A4 Quattro. Transmission has been rebuilt. Checked; TCU, Neutral safety switch, trans fluid level, all wiring harnesses, park neuetral position relay-all working. My ignition switch is shifty, you have to jostle it into position after starting or the starter drags. Only starts in Neutral, gear indicator on dash shows no change when shifting through gears, no gears engage. Did you ever get this figured out? I am about to scrap mine; I am tired of working on it.

 

You say the Ignition Switch is "shifty". I'd go ahead and change it out with a new one. Also check the wiring harness grounds on the transmission and engine. Loosen them up and retighten to insure a good connection. Bad or loose grounds will cause all kinds of whacky electrical problems.

 

Please help me step by step. I've several more problems that i need to solve and ive tried every single one of them and keep getting every single one incorrect. Please help me.
Update: Mathmom, you're the best!!!!! Definitely using your steps to tackle these other problems I have.
Update 2: Mathmom, you're the best!!!!! Definitely using your steps to tackle these other problems I have.