gearshift stuck wont start

[Chris01]

oh dear - I'm about to call recovery, the auto gear shift is stuck somewhere that is not P, so wont start. no position indicator on the dash either.
Prior to this, gearbox functioning okay whilst driving, but suddenly wouldn't select neutral, or any other position - say when stopped at lights. but still drove okay. Then i stopped altogether & removed the key, now shift stuck & wont start.
if anyone has an idea greatly appreciated!
Thanks
2005 Boxster S tiptronic 43000

[Lee 944]

Sounds like the cable has stuck between the shifter and the gearbox.

[Chris01]

Thanks here's an update - the AA found the problem & made a temporary repair, well done to them for taking the trouble working under the car parked in a narrow street in 31 deg heat. Plastic component on the linkage -look behind n/s rear wheel - perished (looks like failed & glued together before during previous ownership - (thinks just before i bought the car! - Grrr!). Drove to trusted RSJ in Slough. Promptly & inexpensively fixed with usual great service.
Here's the offending part on the bonnet of the AA van...is plastic sensible here?

Chris

2005 987 Boxster S 43000
2002 Audi A2 194000
1959 2CVAZ

[Lee 944]

Doesn't look sensible. Makes me think they were give the choice of 50p for a plastic part £10 for a steel one.

Just glad you're back on the road.

[Chris01]

Ongoing problems with gear shift..... The gear shift became increasingly hard to move as the engine got warmer, now it's 'jumped' out of gear and warning is displayed 'tiptronic emergency run'. Continuing linkage problem or more sinister? Lubricating the linkage only improves temporarily. Does any of this sound familiar to anybody? Thanks

[tr7v8]

If it is the same as my 2000 S Tip then the lever moves a long rod which connects to a pivoted arm right at the back of the box. e.g. near back of the car.
This then has a short rod which goes forward to what is known as the multifunction switch which selects gears etc.
Mine died at the 2700metres up at the top of the Alps, to be precise the Stelvio pass in company with 10 other TIPEC members. The nearest OPC was 250km away (OPC Bergamo) Total cost was 330 euro. Mine was the short rod which is around 100 euro or so. Obviously this was after a gentle drive up the mountain (NOT)

The switch is known to die & is bloody expensive, I think around £350 for the part alone but according to everyone I spoke to issues with the linkages is rare.

[FarQue]

My 986s had the linkage removed, lubed and re-fitted during my ownership. My 997 has had a new linkage under extended warranty. Sounds like you need to get the linkage fully inspected and serviced.

[Chris01]

thanks for your advice much appreciated .. (sounds like could be an expensive & unfortunate combination of a faulty switch & selector rod) the mechanism was lubricated quite recently & only temporarily improved things. it will drive on 'tip emergency run' but only select gears up & down to 4th).
Now booked in for investigation in Porsche Cardiff - I'll let you know what's found thanks again!

update - faulty gearbox switch replaced £375 ex vat including small tipec discount. Part was £190 (P986.325.612.01 028599/switch). Expensive but pleased with the service provided by Porsche Cardiff.