Technical Drive mode switch issue

[Geolith]

The drive mode knob sometimes feels rather rigid and unresponsive. Before I blamed it on cold, because it mainly happened during cold winter mornings, but now I don't know. It often needs a few tries to actually switch, and sometimes, in a few seconds after switching back to auto, I get the "Drive Mode Unavailable" message.

What can be causing this? Maybe it needs cleaning or something?

 

[cowabunga]

You are having problems!

I'd try a bit of WD40, squirt it around the rim, wipe off any excess, and then rotate the switch both ways for a few minutes with the engine and ignition turned off. Then see if it's any better in a few hours/ tomorrow.

 

[Garree001]

I find I have to hold the switch to the left or right for a second or two for it to register that I'm changing modes.

 

[cowabunga]

Yeah, Im the same. It isn't just turning the switch, it's more a turning then hold for a second or two like you say. And i dont look at the knob at all to see if the light has changed, I let go when I see the mode change in the small 3.5" screen in the middle dial on the dash.

 

[Geolith]

And i dont look at the knob at all to see if the light has changed, I let go when I see the mode change in the small 3.5" screen in the middle dial on the dash.

I'm doing the same, it's just the knob doesn't feel right sometimes when I turn it, hard to explain. Also, I find it weird that after changing back to auto it gives me this delayed message about the drive mode being unavailable.

 

[s130]

One needs to:

Twist and Hold - to step you to the next setting

Nudge twist generally does nothing (subject to timing)

 

[Geolith]

One needs to:

Twist and Hold - to step you to the next setting

Nudge twist generally does nothing (subject to timing)

I appreciate the usage tips, but everything was nice and smooth before the winter (I bought the car in September), then it started to behave more and more erratically: error messages, rigidness and resistance when turning, etc.

 

[Geolith]

I think I finally understand what's happening, although I still don't know what's causing it. When you turn the knob and let go, it makes a soft clicking sound and slowly goes back to the initial position. In my case, when I turn it to the left (from Auto to Sport), everything is fine, but when I turn it right (from Sport back to Auto), the knob fails to return to the initial position, unless I give it a little nudge.

 

[Geolith]

UPDATE: Cleaned it up at the service. Problem gone!