Tiptronic Not Selecting Any Gears

gonzosquidgy · Apr 17, 2011

Set off for a day out this morning with my son and car stuck in 1st gear. It would not change up. I selected Manual and changed up which was ok for a mile or so. Tried automatic a few times during this time but would still not change up or down. After about 5 miles the automatic gears began working again. I have travelled a couple of hundred miles today and had no more problems. Could anyone shed any light on this. I will mention I have just got the car back from my garage after having a radiator fitted and all brake pipes replaced. Don't suppose this is connected but will give them a ring tomorrow and check. John

Richard_Hamilton · Apr 17, 2011

The only thing I can think of is the multi-function switch. On pre-facelift 996's this is on the side of the gearbox, and the contacts inside it can become a bit iffy, or even break. During your run, did you leave it in D all the time, and just move it sideways into M? It might be that just moving it back to P, and then back to D on the next trip was enough to make a decent contact again.

It might be worth getting the garage to do a diagnostic check on the Tip control module, to see if any codes are stored.

gonzosquidgy · Apr 18, 2011

Thanks Richard.

gonzosquidgy · Apr 21, 2011

Is this switch something I can replace myself or does it have to be OPC ? Thanks

Richard_Hamilton · Apr 21, 2011

I would get a diagnostic check done first. The switch is £220, so it might be an expensive non-fix if I am wrong.

As for changing it, it is bolted to the side of the gearbox, and has an ATF pipe running very close to it. You are supposed to remove the pipe first, but I am told that it can be done without. If you want, drop me an email, and I'll attach the instructions to a reply.