2008 TDI Flashing PRNDS won't start randomly

[epidemic]

Hi All
I have recently started to experience an issue with my 2008 TDI MK5 golf DSG. Out of no where, when I try and start the car - I turn the ignition key to start the car and I see PRNDS all lighting up flashing. When I then try and start the car - it turns over but won't start. If I cycle through ignition off / on enough times then it will start eventually. Once started, the car drives just fine. No noises from the gearbox, no odd shifts - nothing which would indicate an issue. Also the shifter is not stuck in park nor has this issue happening while driving. Only when the car is parked for an extended period of time.

I have been googling and noticed that some people have issues with a sensor in gear shifter or even faulty ground connections.

Has anyone had this issue and solved it without replacing the DSG or mechatronics unit? I actually was planning on selling the car soon and typical VW has to start to have a major problem.

Many thanks in return!

[Lucas_R]

The flashing PRND lights usually indicate a DSG fault, but not always. A few years back a similar thing happened to my friends Mk5 Golf GTI when he was leaving my place. The car drove to my house fine, but when he went to leave, it wouldnt start and the PRND lights were flashing on the dash. It did eventually start but when he got it home it died for good. In his case the cars ECU died and it cost him $3.5k for a new one and then to have VW code it to the car and sync the immobiliser and keys etc.

I would get it to a independent VW specialist mechanic for diagnosis while it still runs.

[epidemic]

The flashing PRND lights usually indicate a DSG fault, but not always. A few years back a similar thing happened to my friends Mk5 Golf GTI when he was leaving my place. The car drove to my house fine, but when he went to leave, it wouldnt start and the PRND lights were flashing on the dash. It did eventually start but when he got it home it died for good. In his case the cars ECU died and it cost him $3.5k for a new one and then to have VW code it to the car and sync the immobiliser and keys etc.

I would get it to a independent VW specialist mechanic for diagnosis while it still runs.

Thanks for the reply. The odd thing is that nothing seems out of place. ECU's are fairly cheap second hand these days but I can't get my head around an ECU 'dying'.
Funnily enough the car has not had this issue since posting as it is getting driven more now..

Let me start with basic error checking and also contact cleaning electricals around the gear shifter.

I can update here. If anyone else had experiences then please post here. Thanks!