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

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
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.

Mark helpful
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.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
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.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Jetta

Looking for a Used Jetta in your area?

CarGurus has 1,896 nationwide Jetta listings starting at $995.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Volkswagen Jetta Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    12,620
  • #2
    Goodwrench707
    Reputation
    5,410
  • #3
    o_jayne
    Reputation
    2,680
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Jetta GLI
3 Great Deals out of 383 listings starting at $5,499
Used Volkswagen Passat
16 Great Deals out of 402 listings starting at $4,700
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Accord
40 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Toyota Corolla
108 Great Deals out of 2,035 listings starting at $2,795
Used Volkswagen Golf
26 Great Deals out of 444 listings starting at $3,987
Used Hyundai Elantra
163 Great Deals out of 3,544 listings starting at $2,995
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
25 Great Deals out of 608 listings starting at $4,900
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 716 listings starting at $1,400
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,510 listings starting at $2,495
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Sentra
77 Great Deals out of 1,812 listings starting at $2,195
Used Audi A4
43 Great Deals out of 698 listings starting at $4,750

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.