Shift lever 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 gear linkage adjustment:

Perfect gear linkage operating and transfer elements.
Gear shift lever mechanism moves smoothly.
Transmission, clutch and clutch mechanism must be in proper condition.
Transmission in neutral.

Work sequence

Remove shift knob with cover. Refer to Shift knob and cover, removing and installing .

Vehicles with large radio compartment:

Remove A/C control head.

Refer to 87 AIR CONDITIONING

Vehicles with small radio compartment:

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

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Lift panel -1- first in direction of arrow -A- and pull out in direction of arrow -B-.

All:

Unscrew the bolts -arrows C- and pull out the ashtray -2- from the center console.
Disconnect electrical harness connector for ashtray lighting.
Remove foam wedges from center console.
Lift out the noise insulation upward.

Fig 2: Locating Noise Insulation For Shift Lever Housing Bolts

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Unscrew noise insulation cover for shift lever housing -arrows-.

Fig 3: Shift Mechanism Measurement And Bolts

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Measure distance -a- between the two threaded studs in the shift lever mechanism

Specified value: Distance a = 85 mm

NOTE: Measure from the centers of the two threaded studs.

If this is not the case, adjust distance -a- as follows:
Loosen push rod bolt (arrow).

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

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

Fig 4: Selector Rod Bolt

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Loosen bolt for selector rod -arrow-.

Connection between selector rod and shift lever mechanism should move freely.

Align the shift lever as follows:

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

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Center the bottom of the gear lever in the center of the ball housing.

The distance between the ball housing and the bottom of the gear lever -arrows- must be equal at all points.
Shift lever in vertical position to direction of travel.

Shift lever held in this position.

Fig 6: Selector Rod Bolt

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Tighten selector rod bolt -arrow- to 23 Nm.

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