Shift Mechanism

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Torque Wrench (5-50 Nm)V.A.G 1331

Removing

-- First, check whether a coded radio is installed. If so, obtain the anti-theft code.

-- Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the boot, shift knob and noise insulation. Refer to SHIFT KNOB, BOOT AND NOISE INSULATION .

-- Remove the upper section of the center console and the center console mounting bracket, if necessary. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the two nuts -1- for the bracket -2-.

Fig 1: Remove Two Nuts For Bracket

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the two nuts -3- for the bracket -4-.

-- Remove the entire air filter housing, if it is located over the transmission shift mechanism. Refer to Removal and Installation .

Fig 2: Disconnecting Cable Retainer From Selector Cable

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• To avoid damage to the selector cable, the cable retainer must be disconnected from the selector lever before removal.

-- Pull the securing mechanism all the way forward in the -direction of arrow 1- and then unlock it to the left in the -direction of arrow 2-.

-- Press the relay lever forward (in the -direction of arrow 3-).

Fig 3: Removing the Relay Lever Together with the Cable Retainer

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Relay Lever with Tab -arrow 1-

-- Press the tab -arrow 1- down as far as possible and remove the relay lever together with the cable retainer. Move it in the operating direction when doing so.

The tab -arrow 2- secures the cable retainer.

Relay Lever with Clip -arrow 1-

Fig 4: Removing And Securing Selector Relay Lever To Gearshift Lever

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the clip -arrow 1- and the relay lever together with the cable retainer.

The cable retainer must be behind the latch -arrow 2-.

Continuation for all Vehicles

Fig 5: Identifying Shift Cable To Gearshift Lever, Removing And Securing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the shift cable lock washer -1- from the transmission selector lever -2-.

-- Remove the shift cable from the pin -arrow-.

-- Remove the cable bracket bolts -arrows- from the transmission.

Fig 6: Locating Transmission Cable Bracket Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove the tunnel bridge. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove the floor panel trim. Refer to Description and Operation .

-- Pivot the shift housing downward and remove it with the cables.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

-- Route the cables -1- from the shift mechanism -2- to the transmission as follows:

Fig 7: Identifying Routed Cables

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• After the cables cross each other diagonally -arrow-, they must run parallel to each other up to the cable bracket on the transmission.
• Make sure the cable tie -arrow- for attaching the cables is installed correctly. Installed position, refer to Figure.
• The cables must be routed inside the depression in the heat shield -3-.

The cable retainers for the selector cable to relay lever and for the shift cable to transmission shift lever are different.

Allocation of the cable retainers. Refer to Figure.

-- Apply a small amount of grease to the pin -arrow- on the shift lever -2-.

Fig 8: Identifying Shift Cable To Gearshift Lever, Removing And Securing

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• For the correct grease, refer to the Parts Information.

-- Replace the lock washer -1- after every disassembly.

-- Secure the shift cable with a lock washer -1-.

• For installing, lubricate the following areas very carefully.
  Fig 9: Identifying Relay Lever Shaft Lubrication Area

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
• Relay lever shaft -A- -arrows-.
• Gear shift lever guide rail -B-, fits into the relay lever.
  Fig 10: Identifying Transmission Shift Lever Guide Rail Lubrication Area

  Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.
• The relay lever and gear shift lever in the illustration may differ from the original part.
• For the correct grease, refer to the Parts Information.

Fig 11: Installing the relay lever and cable retainer

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Insert the relay lever until its seated.

Relay Lever with Tab -arrow 1-

• The latch -arrow 1- secures the relay lever.
• Make sure it engages securely.
• The cable retainer must be behind the latch -arrow 2-.

Fig 12: Removing And Securing Selector Relay Lever To Gearshift Lever

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

• The clip -arrow 1- secures the relay lever.
• Make sure the clips locks securely.
• The cable retainer must be behind the latch -arrow 2-.

Continuation for all Vehicles

-- Insert the selector cable into the cable retainer.

-- Align the shift housing so that it is parallel to the body.

• The distance on both sides to the body must be equal.

-- Install the upper section of the center console. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Install the floor panel trim. Refer to Overview - Underbody Trim .

-- Assemble the exhaust system free of tension and attach the tunnel bridges. Refer to Removal and Installation .

Adjust the shift mechanism. Refer to SHIFT MECHANISM, ADJUSTING .

-- Install the shift knob, boot, and the noise insulation. Refer to SHIFT KNOB, BOOT AND NOISE INSULATION .

-- Install the air filter housing. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Complete the steps after connecting the battery. Refer to Removal and Installation .

Tightening Specifications