Luddite13

Driving to work yesterday, I slid the gearshift into 3rd, and my radio and instruments died. About the same time as I said WTF, melted wire smoke curled up from the ashtray area. Before I dig into it, does anyone know if the reverse light switch (also dead now, same circuit) is on the gearshift assembly or is it on the trans? I figured since that was the part that was in motion (gear shift) when it all died, it makes sense that the shifting action moved a wire, and shorted out against something. I don't have a lighter and the radio (aftermarket) has been in there for a couple years. Doesn't make sense that it would just "go bad" all of a sudden...

thanks!

tenspeed

I would guess that a wire was pinched or the insulation was worn through. Either way, follow the smoke, find the damage and repair it.

Most cars I have worked on have a reverse light switch on the transmission but Audi might be different. The switch could be on the Audi tranny and the wires run near the gear selector.

Hybrid_Hatch

Step one, check cig lighter hole for penny or other metal objects.