8 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH996 Selector Lever not Engaged' error message
Reported repair
Replace steering lock
Reported resolution
1
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report a fix
1
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Reported fix
Just to update the forum, I replaced the steering lock which OPCs keep in stock and it's re-ordered automatically when they sell one. All is good now.
Leading evidence: 'Replace steering lock' (1 discussions report resolution; 0 report an unsuccessful attempt). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is '4b0905849 starter switch playing up' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace steering lock' (1 discussions). For that action, 1 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. The most frequently reported fix is 'Replace steering lock', supported by resolution reports in 1 discussions. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
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0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I then connected my new starter switch to the connector without installing it on the lock and used a flat blade screwdriver to activate it.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
I figured it was the 4B0905849 starter switch playing up so removed it to replace with a new one but even when it was off the steering lock housing, I couldn't turn the key to the stop to remove it.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Suspected cause
If you switch the ignition on, can you move the stick out of Park and in to Neutral, If not, it is probably the solenoid not releasing.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
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Suggestion
Another test is to check the brake lights are working?
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Suggestion
I figured it was the 4B0905849 starter switch playing up so removed it to replace with a new one but even when it was off the steering lock housing, I couldn't turn the key to the stop to remove it.
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
4b0905849 starter switch playing up
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Identified cause
1
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
I figured it was the 4B0905849 starter switch playing up so removed it to replace with a new one but even when it was off the steering lock housing, I couldn't turn the key to the stop to remove it.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
8 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
911uk: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T005001Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Dear Sirs
Has anyone else had the selector lever not engaged show up in there dash of a 996 c4s, and if so what was the cause. Many thanks in advance for your help.
Does the gear selection indicator in the instrument binnacle (ie right of rev counter) correctly state the gear you are in? (PNRD1234)
In which case the position sensor (multi-function switch) is probably iffy (broken, dislodged or dirty).
Is the gear selector free moving or does it feel stiff ?
The position sensor may be cleaned and re-oiled to det rid of debris etc.
If this doesn't sort it, the cables may need adjusting.
Thanks for the reply's. The gear lever moves freely and the right gear is indicated at all times. Other problems have shown up today with Air bags and roll over protection not working must be a lose connection.
I need some help and advice with a problem I have on my 2004 996 turbo Tiptronic. My ignition key has been getting increasingly stiff to turn recently. When I got home this evening, put gear lever in park and turned off the ignition which killed the engine but wouldn't return to the stop to allow me to remove the key. I figured it was the 4B0905849 starter switch playing up so removed it to replace with a new one but even when it was off the steering lock housing, I couldn't turn the key to the stop to remove it. I put my finger at the end of the steering lock housing where the tab would turn the starter switch and it didn't move even when I twisted the key.
I then connected my new starter switch to the connector without installing it on the lock and used a flat blade screwdriver to activate it. I am able to turn the ignition on but immediately I get 'Selector Lever not Engaged' message up on the dash and the gear selector lights are not on. I cannot start the engine. With the ignition on I step on the brake pedal and brake lights are on but the gear lever button wouldn't press down to allow me to shift it. I have tried cycling the ignition on and off while pressing the gear lever button with no success. Fuse E1 is sound. I think I hear clicking near the steering lock when I try to press the gear lever button even though it wouldn't press down fully.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Given the fact the key was getting stiffer over time and the tab at the end of the steering lock wouldn't turn even when I turn the key , I wonder if it is the key barrel or steering lock that is faulty?
Just to update the forum, I replaced the steering lock which OPCs keep in stock and it's re-ordered automatically when they sell one. All is good now. The reason the warning comes up about the gear selector not engaged is because the lock is bust internally so the cable to the gear lever lock remains engaged.
The lock can be replaced in RHD cars without removing the gauges as advised in Wayne Dempster's 911 book.
Hi All,
I have recently started to get this message coming up while in Drive and driving. I had to give the lever a wee nudge to engage it again occasionally.
Recently its becoming worst and now the car does sometimes not start unless I move it to Neutral.
Can anyone point me in the direction of diagnosing this and what it could be. I'm not sure if its mechanical or maybe a gear sector switch
Thanks,
Tonnie
@tonniemollah
threads merged to previous responses above
it's a problem with the multi-function switch on the bottom of the selector lever, or the interlock solenoid (incorporated within it) which stops you moving the stick without the ignition on.
If you switch the ignition on, can you move the stick out of Park and in to Neutral, If not, it is probably the solenoid not releasing. noting that you might have to press the brake pedal to shift out of Park.
Another test is to check the brake lights are working? as there are two sets of contacts in the brake pedal – one for the lights, and one for other devices like cruise.
If you haven't already switching the ignition on and off several times whilst waggling the lever? If the solenoid is working, but sticking, it might be enough to release it. If you can get it into Neutral then the car can at least be moved.
Another check – is fuse E1 OK? It supplies the power for the shift lock solenoid. If it had blown, then I would expect other things not to work though. There is also a possibility it could be a faulty ignition switch – quite a common problem. One of the contacts feeds fuse E1. However, if you haven’t experienced any electrical gremlins before, these two are less likely.
Most likely suspect that if the solenoid won’t release the lever, then it would have to be manually released by removing the centre console, and removing the solenoid. Alternatively, the selector cable could be removed at the transmission end, and the selector lever on the gearbox moved into Neutral by hand. The solenoid is available as a separate part.
https://www.design911.com/p/porsche-996-986-boxster-solenoid-selector-lever-99662422300/?source=911uk
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
