VW Beetle EPC light on/won't come out of gear

With the ignition on step on your brake and have a friend look at the back of the car. Do your brake lamps work? That might be a tip-off.

There was a recall for many A4 chassis VWs for brake lamp switches. have your dealer check the VIN to see if yours should be included in the recall.

If you are thinking of doing some of your car maintenance yourself, you should buy a service manual to learn what is involved. Bentley service manuals are really good, although I am not sure whether one has been published for your vehicle.

Regards.

Thanks Matt! That IS the part he replaced last time (brake light switch)...now to get back to where the car was left and confirm your suggestion. Since this was the 2nd time it happened in 6 months I was seriously considering trading it in for another car--even though I love my little turbo beetle...can't take chances being stuck with 2 kids in the car. Appreciate your post.

It's under VW warranty for 1yr/12,000miles.

I'll throw another tip out there that might work out in an emergency. Those of us with Eurovans have found that if you turn the ignition key very slowly while putting pressure on the shifter button, there's a brief spot where you can press the shifter button. Try that. Turn the key slowly with one hand while gently pressing on the shifter button. If the button goes in, hold it in and then start the car, and then put the car in gear and drive away. Careful though b/c you might not have brake lamps working though if the brake lamp switch was the culprit.

Works on Eurovans. Not sure on other VWs but try it anyway.