I am convinced that my car's brake switch is what's causing my car gear to be stuck in park. I was also told that having this fixed shouldn't cost so much if I dont go to the dealer. Can anyone teach me how to fix this myself? Is it easy that I can do it myself? where can i find a manual/or person to get instructions on how to fix this? has anyone tried fixing this themselves? has anyone with an 02 beetle come across this...would you know if there is a recall on this? anyone please help me!!!

I am convinced that my car's brake switch is what's causing my car gear to be stuck in park. I was also told that having this fixed shouldn't cost so much if I dont go to the dealer. Can anyone teach me how to fix this myself? Is it easy that I can do it myself? where can i find a manual/or person to get instructions on how to fix this? has anyone tried fixing this themselves? has anyone with an 02 beetle come across this...would you know if there is a recall on this? anyone please help me!!!
I had a sort of similar problem with my beetle. Everytime I would turn off my car and have my emergency brake on, my brake lights would be on. I heard there was a recall on 98-02 brake switches cause they would do that. My bug had mine replaced but apparently it broke again. lol A mechanic put it in for around $40. The part was $9? He told me to get to the switch you have to be good at contorting! lol Apparently you have to get way down under the wheel and bend in weird ways. lol

I'm not sure if a brake switch would make your car stay in park. Do you have to press the brake to get it out of park? Maybe if it's staying in the braking position I could understand that.. But yeah. I would say bring it to any mechanic that is a Volkswagen person. :D

According to my workshop manual ($50 Australian from Ebay) removal is quite simple - "twist the switch 90deg to remove it" It is mounted just behind the brake pedal on the pedal bracket.
To gain access to this pedal bracket you need to remove the drivers side under-dash panel and the heater/airconditioning duct.
This is not rocket science and could possibly only involve you (or a friend) lying on their back under the steering wheel and using their common sense to perform the above.....but a workshop manual helps.
A faulty brake switch WILL cause your problem because you must have the footbrake engaged before PARK will unlock. If the switch is dodgy (suspect) then it will not always work which is why they told you to pump the pedal (increases the chances of it working...temporarily).
As I mentioned in a previous post, do a search on this subject on this forum and do a search for a "new beetle workshop manual" on Ebay. And take it easy.

I've done a search and here's the first one:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=549095&highlight=brake+switch

Or:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=400717

thanks so much for your help. i will try to have my friend fix my car and look for the stuff you were talking about. I will surf the internet for the manual you were talking about. thanks again. will let you know what happens when we ticker around with the car.