So, I'm driving in Philly earlier today, sport mode on and J-gating (softly, in light traffic). Suddenly, sport mode disengages and the D is lit up on the indicator. The actual stick position is still "2", but the transmission is in 3rd or 4th with "D" illuminated and sport mode disengaged. Efforts to turn it back on are unsuccessful; the stick maneuvers throughout the gate positions without effect.

When I parked and turned the car off...and then started it again, the J-gate worked as designed. Have not had an issue with it since.

Thoughts?

 

These ZF transmissions seem to be prone to confusion when certain circumstances occur. Hence, the infamous lurch. Perhaps yours was momentarily confused as a result of J-gating. Let's hope that's all it was, anyway....

 

Have you checked the bolts are present and tight on the transmission?

 

I hadn't considered that, although given the quick (and, so far, permanent) fix that a simple key turn has provided, I am inclined to think it is an electronic issue of some sort.

 

Probably true, but you gotta check those bolts some time
Vance's video shows them, btw.

 

Phil_Deezboltz!

 

haha - excellent!