Shifter interlock
 

OK, I think I may be getting closer to the reason for my no start. Below are pictures of the shifter solenoid. I did a scan and it was showing a code for this. It is not activating at any time. So, I assume the computer is thinking that it is "in gear" all the time, hence no start. Can anyone help me diagnose why this would be happening and would like your opinions on whether this is my problem.

I was under the assumption that the shifter interlock was to prevent the removal of the ignition key unless the shifter was in the park position.

Have you checked the fuse, F39, above glovebox? It protects the interlock and the EWS/immobilizer.

That is a whole other interlock! On my E39, you step on the brake and you can feel a slight thud in the shifter lever. Once you look at the design of the shift mechanism it is obvious how it works. I am just trying to figure out if it will stop the car from starting or if it is just a safety feature not tied into the module. The only thing is that its fault did show up in a scan……pulling my hair out on this one

Thanks Scott, I will definitely do that. If it is that simple I will scream…

Fuse #39 is good…damn it. Diagnosed that I do have 12 volts at the shift lock solenoid. The Trans module switches the ground. So I jumped a ground to the solenoid and no go, but I also checked for ground on the connector when the brake pedal was depressed. No ground. Yes, brake lights are working so the switch must be ok at the pedal….

If you can switch the gearshift when you hit the brake to go from P to D, the shift interlock is ok. Don't think the shift interlock has anything to do with your no start condition. Since you appear not to have power at the starter solenoid, I would back probe the wire to the starter solenoid.

I had an Audi with a No Start condition that turned out to be the wiring harness to the starter solenoid. found the break in the circuit, spliced in a new wire and connector to the starter solenoid and she always started thereafter.

UP,
Thanks for the response. I guess I wasn't clear. I scanned the car and had a"shift lock solenoid" code. The solenoid that is supposed to lock the shifter is in the "down"(unlocked) position. ANd since it is controlled by the brake switch, the computer is seeing either that the brake switch is activated or that the shifter is gear. I was told by a shop that it would cause a "no start". Not sure if this is true or not. As far as a wiring issue, I am pretty sure that the starter solenoid gets it's signal from the DME as long as all kinds of criteria are met. But I don't have a schematic or a way to access one. Wish there was a way to get more definitive info on how things are supposed to work on these.