typicalexbf

It moves just fine before I start the car, but once I start it? I try to move it to any gear and it won't go all the way- just goes back to neutral.

I find this kind of puzzling since I drove it just fine the night before, apparently sitting in the driveway something went wrong. Any ideas? I have a Haynes manual so I'm hoping it is a DOI job.

Reggie

Might be a issue with the master or slave cylinder on the clutch

typicalexbf

Thanks for the response- Since I have front wheel drive (1997 audi a4) It will be a lot easier to access it than on a quattro. Will check it out when the heat cools down today.

typicalexbf

Was about to open it up, when laziness took over and I fooled with it a bit. I revved it up a couple of times in park. Then I released the parking brake and started the car in reverse (just to be safe, didn't want to accidentally run into my house) and it wouldn't move while revving.

Did this about three more times and it 'clicked' or something into place. Was really weird. Maybe it was out of alignment or something, but I ain't complaining. I did try it one time in 1st gear and it made a whine- so I would avoid it. Certain sounds I don't like hearing from a car.

4Driver4

Because you never specified, Reggie assumed in his post that your car is a manual trans (sounded that way to me too).

Now it sounds like it might be an automatic. If so, check TCU for codes and check trans fluid level.

5v/cyl

I still think it is a manual. The "started it up in reverse" is impossible with a auto, so must be a manual.

typicalexbf

Sorry about the confusion, yes, it is a 5 speed manual. I still think it would be a good idea to change out the master and slave cylinder before the year is over, just to be on the safe side. So it was sound advice- I'm a little behind on maintenance anyway.

4Driver4

Interesting. Where exactly is "park" located on this trans? - lol

typicalexbf

lol I meant the parking brake. I'm really considering trading it in for an automatic, which I know sounds horrible, but considering how annoying manual is becoming for me (I travel between Mississippi and Louisiana, with strange roads and hills, where drivers are an inch from your bumper) I think it is time to go to an automatic.

Skewoooot

Did you have any follow up issues from this? I just replaced my blown slave cylinder and now have the exact same symptom, but my car's a Quattro. I'm a bit scared to try this "pop" start realignment, but it might be my only option at this point.