Volkswagen: 1997 Cabrio, shift linkage, park sensor

Question
Hi. Recently my automatic '97 Cabrio has been going through some rough times. For a while we thought we had a starter/ignition switch problem, however, now we have reason to beleive that it might be something different. I think there might be a problem with the communication between the gear shift mechanisms and the internal computer. The only reason I think this might be the problem is because the indicator on the dashboard perpetually shows that the car is in Drive, when the gear shift can be positioned in anything. THe car is finicky to start and I thought that the fact that the computer thinks that the car is in drive all the time might be the reason. By wiggling the gear shift vigorously, and by trying to start it in Neutral, we have been able to fool the computer. However this is not the most reliable method to start my car (obviously). Please, I am no mechanic, and neither is anyone in my family, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Kristin.

Answer
Hi Kristin,

Your assumption is most-likely 100% correct.   On the transmission, there is a "Park Sensor".  The reason it is there is to avoid you starting in gear (reverse/forward).

Most likely, either the wire fell off,  the sensor itself went bad, or the shift-linkage may need to be adjusted.

Any reputable transmission facility can fix this, you don't have to bring this to a Dealer.

Either way, don't worry it is not an expensive problem to fix, and it's a fairly simple procedure.  (but does require a trip to a good transmission shop)

Hope this helps you out, and many years of enjoyment with your Cabrio!

Ron