Checking The Selector Mechanism
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, and 2012 Volkswagen Passat. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The starter does not work when the selector lever is in the "R", "D" or "S" positions or in the Tiptronic gate.
Over 5 km/h (3 mph)
The shift lock solenoid must not block the selector lever when the lever is in the "N" position. The selector lever can be moved back into a another gear.
Below 5 km/h (3 mph)
The shift lock solenoid will block the selector lever approximately 1 second after the lever is moved into the "N" position. The selector lever can be moved out of "N" only when the brake pedal is pressed.