something that I had forgotten I noticed a few weeks ago. I got in the car to go out to dinner (after the car had been warming up for 10-15 mins), and when I depressed the brake pedal I got a light clunking sound. Happens in P and N, and when holding the shifter I can feel (and see) what appears to be something hitting the gear select lever from below the console. Only happens when I press the pedal, and occurs once per pedal tap. Almost as if the brake pedal is attached to a small hammer lightly tapping on the gear select lever from below. Thoughts? Admittedly, I've made no attemps to remove the console, and haven't searched thoroughly yet. But as I just jumped onto the forum tonight I thought I'd throw it out there.

or is it normal and for some reason I've never noticed it? I'll re-search now that I have an appropriate term, but BTDT's are always appreciated.

At least this is the conclusion I'm coming to after some searching on the brake shift lock. I find it strange (although obviously not unlikely) that I've never heard/felt this before. Can somebody else confirm that this is apparent on your car, too? Piece of mind, don't ya know...

as a safety device to counter the "sudden acceleration" claim of some owners of the C3 platform w/ automatic transmissions. This issue was even featured on CBS's 60 Minutes w/ Ed Bradley. It wasn't long after Audi developed it that a number of the other auto manufacturers used it in their cars. The noise you hear has been audible on my '96 since I bought it in Oct 1996.

Are there even any auto manufacturers who don't use a shift lock these days? I can't think of any.

I just found it strange that I'm just now starting to hear it. I thought maybe it might be some sort of wear item that I might need to address, but I suppose it's just my selective hearing now that I've begun to tune into the car to a greater degree. Now, if I could just solve the errant temp gauge and cold-air blowing heater I'll be all set!
So, are you a walking Audi encyclopedia?! Love the completenss of your replies - a true asset.