Q5 Transmission Sensor Failure Causing Start Issues

Had a similar situation with my 2015 A4 last year. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, gear shifter getting stuck and shift lock issues affecting the automatic transmission. The root cause was a failed transmission control unit, which also triggered the check engine light. The main symptoms included: Park brake not engaging properly, Rough shifting between gears, Transmission failure warning on dashboard, Unable to move shifter out of park position This is a serious electrical issue that affects the entire transmission system. The control unit manages all shifting operations and safety interlocks. When it fails, the transmission goes into a safety mode to prevent potential damage. The repair required: 1. Complete diagnostic scan 2. Control unit replacement 3. Transmission adaptation procedure 4. System reset and coding Would strongly recommend having this checked at a transmission specialist. These symptoms typically worsen over time and could lead to complete transmission failure if not addressed. The gear shifter issues are often the first warning sign of a failing control module. This is not something that can be fixed with basic maintenance, it requires specialized diagnostic equipment and expertise with automatic transmission systems.

Since we had almost identical transmission issues, very interested to hear how your repair turned out. The gear linkage problems and shift lock failure on my Q5 ended up being quite expensive to fix. The transmission repair shop found additional worn components during the diagnostic check. Would you mind sharing the total repair cost in your case? Also wondering if you encountered any other transmission-related problems since getting it fixed? My dealer mentioned these issues can sometimes reoccur if not all affected parts are replaced during the initial repair.

Since getting the automatic transmission parking position defective issue fixed on my A4, everything has worked flawlessly with no recurring transmission issues. The repair shop diagnosed and replaced the faulty control unit, which resolved both the shift lock problems and erratic gear changes. The total cost came to 1000 Euro for the complete repair, including: Control unit replacement, System programming, All necessary transmission adaptations, Final testing The investment was worth it as the transmission now shifts smoothly and the park brake engages perfectly. Having a proper diagnostic done by transmission specialists was key, they identified the exact problem without replacing unnecessary parts. Its been over a year now with no transmission sensor warnings or gear selector issues. The repair shop mentioned these electronic control unit failures rarely repeat if fixed correctly the first time. Just make sure whoever does the work uses genuine parts and performs all required programming steps.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. After seeing your response, I took my Q5 to a specialized transmission shop last week. The diagnostic revealed similar problems with the control unit and several worn components causing the gear shifter issues. The final repair bill came to 1450 Euro which included: New transmission control module, Shift solenoid replacement, Complete system reprogramming, Labor costs The transmission now shifts perfectly and the neutral position engages smoothly. No more check engine lights or error codes. The shop did a great job explaining the issues and showing me the worn parts. Glad I caught this before experiencing complete transmission failure. They also provided a 12-month warranty on the repair work, which gives me peace of mind. Really appreciate the advice about using specialists, definitely worth the extra cost compared to my previous bad experience with a general mechanic.