Tiptronic problem (long)

[croatoan]

Yesterday I pulled into my favorite 7-11 in Tiptronic mode, shifted over to normal operation and into Park, and couldn't remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle started and turned off o.k., but the key was locked solid.

It turns out that there are two magnets that engage/disengage when Tiptronic is selected/de-selected, and, if you whip that shifter over into normal mode too quickly, the magnets might not release. Since the transmission "thinks" it's in Tip mode, Park cannot be selected. The cure is to put your foot on the brake (remember, Park isn't engaged) and move the lever into Drive, then SLOWLY shift into Tip mode, then SLOWLY shift back into normal mode.

Since this was the second time my dealership had come across this problem, they solved it in two seconds. To protect the innocent, I won't tell you how long it took the first time. It pays to be the SECOND one to experience these sorts of weird occurrences.

I hope this helps prevent those on Audiworld from experiencing the panic I felt as I imagined the service personnel dismantling my entire steering column to remove the stuck key . . .

[pablo1]

[Ernst]

I experienced exactly the same problem and somehow I could deblockthe key after a number of "operations". Thanks for this precise info!
BTW if you release the folding mechanism of the ignition key while inserted (the engine not yet started), the engine will start but immediately stop after a few turns of the motor... Just another quirk of the control electronics. Remedy: pull the key completely out and re-insert it (fully folded out) into the lock...

[JP4]

[JP]

[StephenW]

It's happened 3 times in the last two years. Last time, I had to go around the block changing back into Tip, then into Auto mode before I could get the key out.

So it's back to the dealer - and thanks for the advice. //Steve