On Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:52:04 -0500, Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:

> In article <1166204121.139227.324170@16g2000cwy.googlegroups. com>,
> "Paul" <pstuart03@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> The brake switch underneath the brake pedal is probably disconnected or
>> broken. Your foot may have kicked the switch behind the brake pedal by
>> accident, and over time, the switch becomes loose and eventually
>> becomes disconnected.
>>
>> The shifter locks as a precaution, because if the brake switch becomes
>> disconnected, NONE of your brake lights will work when you step on the
>> brake pedal.
>
> Close, but no cigar.
>
> There are TWO switches: brake lights, and shift interlock.
>
> The shift interlock came about as a result of the Audi "unintended
> acceleration" debacle whereby stupid Americans (who can vote! and be on
> juries!) were buying into this idea that cars can just suddenly LEAP
> forward without the driver doing anything. One way the automakers try
> to work around this is to force the driver to have his foot on the brake
> before moving the transmission lever out of park. This ensures that the
> driver is engaged in the process, and is doing so in a way such that the
> car CANNOT move, period. (No car can overcome its brakes like that, so
> the chances of the car "running away" are about zero.)

Thanks for the info. I just responded to this guy in the other group with
almost the same explanation that Paul gave. I was not aware of the Audi
"issue"...

I like learning new things... ;-)