2002 beetle won't shift out of "PARK"

[buggygurl]

i have a 2002 GLS beetle. I turned on the engine and it wouldn't shift out of park.I turned it off and pushed the car a bit cause i thought this would make it shift. It didn't work so i called roadside assistance. they taught me how to pump the brakes and i was able to put it in drive. turned the engine off and on again to see if it will do the same. It did. so the next time i turned it on, i drove it home.as i was driving home i noticed that the EPC light on the dashboard was on. as i was getting into the parking lot i had just put the car on neutral then took my foot off the brakes. then i tried to put it on park but it wouldn't shift to park this time. i shut the engine off instead because of frustration and was getting ready to get out of my car but couldnt get my key out of the ignition. tried to start it but wont. so roadside asst. taught me to pump the brakes again. then move it back to park. now am afraid to turn it back on. i only have warranty on powertrain and i dont think this problem is gonna be covered. the service center told me it might be the interlocking mechanism, the brake switch or the button on the shifter. It'll take at least 250 dollars. can anyone help me diagnose it or fix it on my own? which of the 3 is it? how do i fix it? I cant afford to spend that much. didn't think owning a beetle would cost so much. Thanks.

buggygurl

[hako]

I think your problem lies with the brake switch - check previous posts on this forum list as I've seen it before with New Beetles. It possibly was a recall item but I'm not sure. I think the switch costs less that $25 (Australian) and wouldn't be hard to replace. All cars cost money to own and maintain....but not all cars look like a New Beetle. But like I said before, check previous posts.

[tina0123]

i have a 98 beetle... and mine wouldnt do it either.. its under the brake... it cost about 15 bucks for the little part that u gotta get from the VW dealership.