VW Sharan Won't Start: Transmission & Engine Issues

As a VW Touran 2013 diesel owner, I faced nearly identical symptoms. The transmission failure symptoms combined with starting issues pointed to a faulty control module. The shift lock stopped engaging properly, making it difficult to move from park position to other gears. The root cause was a failing transmission control unit that affected multiple systems. The gear linkage also showed signs of wear, which complicated the diagnosis. The park brake would engage out of nowhere, and the neutral position became increasingly unreliable. The repair required: Replacement of transmission control unit, Recalibration of the entire transmission system, Software update for the control module, Testing of all gear positions and shift lock mechanisms This was a serious issue requiring specialized diagnostic equipment. The transmission failure symptoms worsened quickly after initial signs appeared. Leaving it unaddressed risks complete transmission system failure. The fix restored proper gear changes, eliminated unusual park brake engagement, and resolved the starting issues. A transmission specialist with VW certification is crucial for this type of repair, as generic diagnostic tools often miss the underlying control unit problems. Given the similar symptoms, recommend having the transmission control unit tested before the issues escalate further.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the transmission control unit problems. I had the exact same symptoms with my Sharan last winter, the shift lock issues and problematic gear changes were really worrying. The transmission sensor replacement and recalibration fixed it completely for me. Did you remember roughly how much the repair ended up costing? And has everything been working properly since the fix? Would be helpful to know if any related transmission issues came up later.

After getting the transmission repair done at a certified shop, everything has worked flawlessly for the past 6 months. The total cost came to 1000€ for replacing the defective control unit, which resolved all the automatic transmission issues including the problematic parking position. The gear linkage and transmission sensor systems are now functioning perfectly. No more problems with the shift lock or gear changes. The investment was worth it since this kind of transmission failure could have led to much costlier repairs if left unaddressed. The transmission repair shop did a thorough job testing all systems after the fix. They also performed a complete electronic diagnostic scan to ensure the control unit was properly integrated. Having a specialist handle it made a huge difference compared to the previous attempts at diagnosis. For anyone facing similar symptoms, addressing control unit issues early helps prevent more extensive transmission damage down the line.

After months of dealing with transmission problems and an unhelpful first mechanic, I finally found a certified VW specialist who properly diagnosed and fixed my Sharan. The gear shifter was acting up badly and the automatic transmission kept giving me trouble, especially when trying to change gears. The transmission specialist identified a faulty control module and worn gear linkage components. They replaced the control unit, did a full system recalibration, and thoroughly tested all gear positions. The repair came to 1200€ total. Its been 3 months since the fix and the transmission issues are completely resolved. No more problems with gear changes or the shifter getting stuck. The check engine light hasnt come back on and the car starts perfectly every time. Really glad I got a second opinion from someone who knew what they were doing with these specific transmission failure symptoms. Getting it fixed properly the first time would have saved me a lot of stress and probably money too. The automatic transmission works better than ever now. Definitely worth finding a certified specialist rather than trying to save money with a general mechanic.