Seeeu911

My 99 C2 coupe Tiptronic. Will not go into drive.
No CEl or flashing drive letters. no codes when I used my ODB II reader
I am able to put it in reverse and she moves normally.
No symptoms before. no slipping or leaks or anything strange.
Drove home Friday, parked normally, not driven on Sunday. now not going into drive.

Some questions:
What causes the lock out of drive ?
Is this a mechanical problem ?
a fluid level problem ?

BruceP

Pure speculation, just so your post gets bumped and someone smart can read it...

The last time this happened to me on a vehicle, it was the brake/shifter interlock switch that failed.

Good luck!

Tippy

It physically won't shift into drive or it won't propel the car once the car is shifted into "drive"?

Seeeu911

It will not physically go into D. Acts like there is physical blockage or linkage problem ?

It seems that if the bands are bad or something like that it should at least get the lever into the D position.

Tippy

Bruce has your answer I believe

Seeeu911

any idea on the 996 where that is ?

Tippy

It is underneath the main console where the shifter is.

Seeeu911

thanks i'll update shortly.

Tippy

I tried to copy the manual for it but it is encrypted, sorry. Although I never replaced mine, it looks very simple to get to and replace.

You may want to for the time being, is to just remove it so you can drive your car until you replace it.

Seeeu911

Right on the money gentlemen. Most Excellnt calls ! The switch is ok, but some thing had dislodged and was blocking the detent.
I am taking this as a sign from the Porsche Gods to go get the fluid changed and a couple other minor things fixed at my favorite Indy. Since I am off work the car is now at the shop ...
Whew.. At least I dont have to get a new transmission!

BruceP

I recommend you also buy it a present. I find that Porsches respond well to positive reinforcement.

Coln964c2

Hi guys (and girls!)

I have a 964 C2 Tip that went funny last week when she hopped out of drive and revved like the clutch was slipping...
but as there's a tip gearbox no clutch (as we know it )involved...Car goes into reverse ok, so I presume this means gearbox not SNAFU...but won't engage drive. Any ideas?
HELP!!!

Colm Galway,Ireland

salayc

Yes, but you have a torque converter which is an automatic fluid clutch (more or less)

Coln964c2

Hi there!

Right Chris,but you see in Ireland Auto gearboxes are a novelty...not a lot of 'em about. So does the torque converter need fluid to function? I have to plead ignorance here...and what was the detent referred to in one of the previous posts?

Cheers,

Colm

salayc

Yes, the torque converter uses the transmission fluid to transfer the engine energy to the gears. If you fill a bathtub and move your hand slowly through the water there's not much resistance, move your hand quickly (rev the engine) and there is a lot of resistance. The torque converter is a fluid coupling that transfers the energy and also allows the car to come to a stop without stalling like a clutch. Simple and ingenious.

Just because you have one doesn't necessarily explain why you would be jumping out of first though. It's not a user serviceable part and not the greatest idea to try and diagnose or DIY and auto transmission. You could check the fluid level though. Low fluid will result in no transfer from engine to gears.