Shift mechanism, adjusting

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, 2007 Audi S4, 2007 Audi RS 4, and 2006 Audi S4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The following are prerequisites for correct gear lever alignment:

NOTE:

Shift linkage must be in proper condition and undamaged.
Shift 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 shift knob with boot, removing and installing .

Vehicles with large radio slot

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

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Vehicles with small radio slot

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

Continued for all vehicles

Remove bolts - arrowsC - and then pull ashtray - 2 - out of center console.
Disconnect electrical connector for ashtray light.
Remove foam wedges from center console.
Lift out the noise insulation.

Fig 2: Locating Noise Insulation For Shift Lever Housing Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove noise insulation for gear lever housing - arrows -.

Fig 3: Shift Mechanism Measurement And Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Measure distance - a - between the two studs in the 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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Align the gear lever as follows:

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

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

Fig 6: Gear Lever Alignment Pointing Slightly To Right

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Tighten bolt for selector 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.
Select all gears several times.
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 the gear lever sticks or balks repeatedly when engaging a gear, perform the adjustment procedure again.

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