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My A4 has no reverse but everything else is fine

Car: Audi, A4, 1997     -    Back to Fix-It    -    Audi Repair Manuals

Q.1997 a4 Quatro. automatic trans. has no reverse but everything else is fine. When I shift into every gear it's fine. When I go to reverse there is no clunk or anything. Like it's not even on the shifter. Just empty space...

I already checked/done: Shifting in and out of the other gears to try and make reverse come alive. Nothing happens. All other gears work. This is an automatic quatro.

Answer Try cleaning out the harness on the side of the transmission by the range switch with electrical cleaner as best as possible, that may allow it to activate/deactivate solenoid valves to allow reverse.
If no Audi scanner is available, try pulling the solenoid valve connector off the transmission. If still no reverse, there is a possible stuck solenoids/manual control valve on the valve body. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

Addition I looked in my Chilton book. Are you talking about taking the center console off and getting to the solenoids there? By the shift lever?
If that's the case, I should be able to do that.
In the other case where you mention taking the solenoid valves off the transmission, where would they be located?
Thank you so much for your help. You're the first tech that has given me an option other than replacing the whole transmission.
How do I let you know if it worked?

Answer The wire harness I'm talkin about is on the transmission itself, and the solenoids are inside the transmission. I need your engine size to give details.

Addition 1.8T

Answer If you look outside of the transmission you will see the connector, just pull it apart, get some cleaning solution from the parts store and put it back together. If that doesnt help you can pull the transmission pan and compare the resistance on the solenoids. If one is open or high, replace it. If that doesnt work you can try to replace the valve body. Last resort is transmission. Do you have instructions in chiltons for valve body replacement? . Let me know if you need it or have any other related questions and I hope I helped. Thanks.
p. S. have the battery cable removed while doing all of this.

Addition It will be a while until I can get under the car, but you have been extreamly helpful. I will give you a great review. Chiltons does't have anything on the valve body replacement so I'll look around a bit. It may be too much for me to do. If that's the case I'll take it to the shop down the street. At least now I can go into them somewhat informed!

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