Selector mechanism, adjusting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Audi A4, 2007 Audi A4, 2006 Audi A4, and 2005 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The following are requirements for correct gear lever alignment:

Gear selector linkage must be in proper condition and undamaged.
Selector mechanism must move freely.
Transmission, clutch and clutch mechanism must be in proper condition.
Transmission in neutral.

Procedure

Remove gear lever knob together with boot → Gear lever knob with boot, removing and installing .

Vehicles with large radio slot:

Remove operating and display unit for air conditioner → 87 AIR CONDITIONING .

Vehicles with small radio slot:

Fig 1: Lifting Cover And Pulling Out And Removing Bolts And Pulling Ashtray From Center Console

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Lift trim panel - 1 - in direction of - arrow A - , then pull it out in direction of - arrow B -.

Continued for all vehicles:

Remove bolts - arrows C - and then pull ashtray - 2 - out of center console.
Disconnect electrical connector for ashtray light.
Remove foam wedges from center console.
Lift out sound insulation.

Fig 2: Locating Noise Insulation For Shift Lever Housing Bolts

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Remove sound insulation for gear lever housing - arrows -.

Fig 3: Shift Mechanism Measurement And Bolts

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Measure distance - a - between two studs in selector mechanism.

Specification: distance a = 85 mm

NOTE:

Measure from center of one stud to center of the other.

If distance measured is not correct, adjust dimension - a - as follows:
Loosen bolt - arrow - for push rod.

Rear push rod (in selector mechanism) should move freely in both directions on slide.

Set to distance - a - by moving rear push rod (in selector mechanism).
Tighten bolt for push rod - arrow - to 23 Nm.

Fig 4: Selector Rod Bolt

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Loosen bolt for selector rod - arrow -.

Connection between selector rod and selector mechanism should move freely.

Fig 5: Centering Bottom Of Shift Lever Centered In Ball Housing

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Align gear lever

Position bottom of gear lever in center of ball guide.

Distance between ball guide and bottom of gear lever - arrows - must be equal at all points.

Fig 6: Gear Lever Alignment Pointing Slightly To Right

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Align gear lever so that it points slightly (1.5°) to right (as seen in direction of travel).
Hold gear lever in this position.

Fig 7: Selector Rod Bolt

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Tighten bolt for push rod - arrow - to 23Nm.

NOTE:

The gear lever must remain in the same position while the bolt is being tightened.

Checking gear lever setting

The gear lever should rest in the 3rd/4th gear gate when transmission is in neutral.

Press clutch pedal.
Select all gears several times.
Check operation of reverse gear lock.

The gear lever should return by itself from reverse gear gate to 3rd / 4th gear gate.

If gear lever sticks or bauks repeatedly when engaging a gear, perform adjustment procedure again.

Install trim parts and gear lever knob → Gear lever knob with boot, removing and installing .