Selector Lever not Engaged

[colinchamberlain558@btinternet.com]

Hi
Used my 2003, 911 996 4S Tiptronic yesterday without problem. This morning it is refusing to turn over with the message 'Selector Lever not Engaged'. Any ideas ?
Also if I need to get it recovered, how do I disengage the tiptronic gearbox to enable it to be moved.
Thanks for any Info. CDC

 

[tscaptain]

Moved to 996 forum-where it may get a lot more views!

 

[irb26]

Sounds like the microswitches in the selector not working properly

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

It sounds like a problem with the multi-function switch on the bottom of the selector lever, or the interlock solenoid (incorporated within it) which stops you moving the stick without the ignition on. If you switch the ignition on, can you move the stick out of Park and in to Neutral? If not, it is probably the solenoid not releasing. If I remember correctly, you also have to press the brake pedal to shift out of Park. Do the brake lights work? (Having said that, it isn’t a conclusive test, as there are two sets of contacts in the brake pedal – one for the lights, and one for other devices like cruise).

Have you tried switching the ignition on and off several times whilst waggling the lever? If the solenoid is working, but sticking, it might be enough to release it. If you can get it into Neutral then the car can at least be moved.


Another thing you could check – is fuse E1 OK? It supplies the power for the shift lock solenoid. If it had blown, then I would expect other things not to work though. There is also a possibility it could be a faulty ignition switch – quite a common problem. One of the contacts feeds fuse E1. However, if you haven’t experienced any electrical gremlins before, these two are less likely.

I really don’t know for sure, but I suspect that if the solenoid won’t release the lever, then it would have to be manually released by removing the centre console, and removing the solenoid. Alternatively, the selector cable could be removed at the transmission end, and the selector lever on the gearbox moved into Neutral by hand.

The solenoid is available as a separate part, at about £100 inc VAT, which isn’t the end of the world, but that isn’t much consolation at the moment.

 

[andywill]

Thanks as always Richard I'm sure this will be of help
Andy

 

[colinchamberlain558@btinternet.com]

Hi Chaps
After much fiddling about and trying a variety of solutions, it turned out to be Fuse E1. Thought I had already checked it but did not check closely enough. Thanks for the support.
Regards
Colin

 

[minny]

I need some help and advice with the same problem I have on my 2004 996 turbo Tiptronic. My ignition key has been getting increasingly stiff to turn recently. When I got home this evening, put gear lever in park and turned off the ignition which killed the engine but wouldn't return to the stop to allow me to remove the key. I figured it was the 4B0905849 starter switch playing up so removed it to replace with a new one but even when it was off the steering lock housing, I couldn't turn the key to the stop to remove it. I put my finger at the end of the steering lock housing where the tab would turn the starter switch and it didn't move even when I twisted the key.
I then connected my new starter switch to the connector without installing it on the lock and used a flat blade screwdriver to activate it. I am able to turn the ignition on but immediately I get 'Selector Lever not Engaged' message up on the dash and the gear selector lights are not on. I cannot start the engine. With the ignition on I step on the brake pedal and brake lights are on but the gear lever button wouldn't press down to allow me to shift it. I have tried cycling the ignition on and off while pressing the gear lever button with no success. Fuse E1 is sound. I think I hear clicking near the steering lock when I try to press the gear lever button even though it wouldn't press down fully.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Given the fact the key was getting stiffer over time and the tab at the end of the steering lock wouldn't turn even when I turn the key , I wonder if it is the key barrel or steering lock that is faulty?

 

[minny]

Just to update the forum, I replaced the steering lock which OPCs keep in stock and it’s re-ordered automatically when they sell one. All is good now. The reason the warning comes up about the gear selector not engaged is because the lock is bust internally so the cable to the gear lever lock remains engaged.
The lock can be replaced in RHD cars without removing the gauges as advised in Wayne Dempster’s 911 book.