Shift mechanism, adjusting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Audi A4, 2004 Audi A4, 2003 Audi A4, and 2002 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The following are prerequisites for correct shift linkage adjustment:

Perfect shift linkage operating and transfer elements.
Shift selector mechanism moves smoothly.
Transmission, clutch and clutch mechanism must be in good condition.
Transmission in neutral.

Removing

NOTE: Remove the shift lever knob with shift lever cover and cover for center console.

Fig 1: Lifting Cover For Center Console Upward

GW00018841

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Lift off cover for center console upward -arrows-.

Fig 2: Releasing Connector Piece

GW00018842

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Release connector piece -1- in direction of arrow and pull off shift lever knob together with shift lever cover upward.

Fig 3: Lifting Cover And Pulling Out And Removing Bolts And Pulling Ashtray From Center Console

GW00018843

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Lift off trim -1- first in direction of arrow -A- and then pull out in direction of arrow -B-.
Remove bolts -arrows C- and then pull ashtray -2- from center console

Fig 4: Lifting Out Damping Washer And Noise Insulation

GW00018844

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Lift up damping washer -1- and noise insulation -2- upward.

Fig 5: Locating Noise Insulation For Shift Lever Housing Bolts

GW00018845

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove noise insulation from shift lever housing -arrows-.
Measure distance -a- between the two studs in shift mechanism

NOTE: Measurement is from center of stud to center of stud.

Fig 6: Shift Mechanism Measurement And Bolts

GW00018851

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Specification: Dimension a = 85 mm

In case of deviation, adjust distance -a- as follows:
Loosen bolt (arrow) for push rod.

The rear push rod (in shift mechanism) must move back and forth easily on slide.

Adjust measurement -a- by moving rear push rod (in shift mechanism).
Tighten bolts for push rod -arrow- to 25 Nm.

Fig 7: Selector Rod Bolt

GW00018852

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove bolts for selector rod -arrow-.

The selector rod and shift mechanism connection must move freely

Align shift lever as follows:

Fig 8: Centering Bottom Of Shift Lever Centered In Ball Housing

GW00018853

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Center bottom of shift lever centered in ball housing.

The distance from ball housing to bottom of shift lever -arrows- must be same at all points.
Shift lever stands vertical in direction of travel.

Hold shift lever in this position.

Fig 9: Selector Rod Bolt

GW00018852

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Tighten bolt for selector rod -arrow- to 25 Nm.

NOTE: The shift lever must remain in the same position while the bolt is being tightened.

Install covers and shift lever knob.