2003 VW Jetta, started it up tonight but could NOT get the gear shifter out of park

Asked by jesscoop Apr 05, 2009 at 12:12 AM about the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This car is one serious piece of sh*t, just had 2 grand worth of work done on it and got in my car tonight, started it up, and couldn't move the shifter out of park.  Yes, I was holding my foot down on the brake, when I did so, the little green light with the image of the foot wasn't going off, matter of fact, it seemed as if the car wasn't even acknowledging that my foot was on the brake! The ESP light was on, as well as the triangle with the arrows around it, ABS I think, oh and the check engine light, but thats been on since my car hit like one mile.  Last time this happened my auto body guy just slammed on the brake and was able to get the shifter to move.  My prob. is, my car right now is sitting in the parking lot where I work and I really don't want to get in towed so anyone who has any information for where I should start, please let me know.  Thanks in advance for anyone who does help!

5 Answers
20

Michael answered 15 years ago

i would start with the brake lines, a connector for the line could have broke, or there is a leak in the lines somewhere, and even though u put 2 grand into it doesnt mean something wont go wrong. yes i know it sounds like crap but it happens, i have seen it happen before. so definately check out the brake lines and brake fluid. look for any signs of leaks anywhere along the lines. i hope this helps you with ur problem

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105

Greg answered 15 years ago

have you checked for recalls? Not sure if the '03 is involved or not, but the brake light switch has been recalled twice now.

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25

Kyle answered 15 years ago

The owners manual tells you how to get the brake shift interlock released without the brake. Time to crack that sucker open.

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55

Kissy408 answered 5 years ago

Check all of your fuses. I had this same problem with my 2013 jetta and it happened after my brother had changed some fuses for me. I finally had it towed to a shop wich then informed me that my brother had forgotten to put a fuse back in. Sorry I can't tell you wich one.

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