Neutral Safety Switch

[jeffzimma]

I found out my car has a bad neutral safety switch/multi functional transmission switch and that's whats causing it to not go into reverse. i was also wondering if this would be the reason why the lights on the dash are all lit up instead of one individual gear being lit up, thanks

[walky_talky20]

Yes, a bad MFS will cause the PRND432 to all be highlighted on the dash. The car may also shift harshly as well. Even after replacing the switch you will need vag-com to clear the code in the TCU. If I were you, I would try just clearing the code first to see if the symptoms stop, before you replace the switch. It is possible (but not probable) that the error was just a one time fluke and clearing the code is all you need to do. If the switch is bad you have a few options:

- New switch ( ~$200 for 2001+ cars. ~$500 for 96-2000 cars, ECS pricing)
- Used switch
- Repair your switch

Some had luck taking apart their switch (drilling out the rivets) and cleaning the contacts inside. As this is free, that would be my first course of action. These things are quite expensive.