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 air conditioning operating unit → 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) must 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 as follows:

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 the 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 the transmission is in neutral.

Press clutch pedal.
Check that all gears can engaged.
Check operation of reverse gear lock.

It should only be possible to engage reverse gear after pressing the gear lever down to overcome the reverse gear lock.
The gear lever should return by itself from the reverse gear gate to the 3rd / 4th gear gate.

If after repeated selection of a gear it fails to engage smoothly, gear lever alignment must be repeated.

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