Yeah, on my automatic '95 Z28 I have 3.23 gears. On the shifter, what the HELL is that button on the top for? As far as I can remember, I can shift with or without it being depressed.

 

Although I don't have an auto, I belive it's function is to lock the shifter in the gear that it's currently in.......if it's not - you may have a problem.

 

I have a 94 a4... and on mine I need to use the button when downshifting out of OD into D, D into 2, 2 into 1, Into or out of Reverse, etc

I might be wrong on a couple, im not sure

When starting in 1st, I can shift freely into 2nd, drive, od, and neutral without depressing the button.

 

Oh, ok. I think you're right. Thanks.

 

If it's adjusted correctly, you need to depress it to get out of Park into the R-N-OD range where you can move the lever without the button. Another push allows you into the D-2-1 range for manual shifting without overshooting into N.

The idea is to prevent it accidentally going into park which bends up a few things if you are moving and makes lots of clanking sounds. The additional idea is that you push it to get out of Park, then release it and pull back on the shifter which will stop in OD. You don't have to look or guess. In normal driving you should never have to look at the lever or the indicator.

It also allows you to "rock" the car to get it unstuck from mud or snow: just push forward to R and back to OD. Useful here in the snowbelt.

Many people don't realize that I guess.

Yours need adjustment.

 

And what time will you be coming over to clean the coffee out of my keyboard...?