Shift Mechanism: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

-- Remove the shift knob, boot and the noise insulation (if equipped). Refer to Removing .

-- Remove the center console and the center console mounting bracket. Refer to "Storage Compartments, Covers and Trim " in Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.

Fig 1: Identifying Shift Housing To Center Console Nuts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the air filter housing, refer to one of the following:

Gas engine, refer to (CCTA, CBFA) Removing or (CPLA, CPPA) Removing . .

Diesel engine, refer to Removing . .

-- Remove the battery and battery tray, if necessary. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the lock washer -3- from the transmission shift lever -1-.

Fig 2: Identifying Shift Cable, Removal

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the shift cable -2- from the pin -arrow- on the transmission shift lever -1-.

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

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

Fig 3: Disconnecting Cable Retainer From Selector Cable

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Push the relay lever forward and guide the selector cable out of the cable retainer.

NOTE: The cable retainer may be removed only when the relay lever is removed. Refer to Figure.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Transmission Cable Bracket Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to Removal and Installation .

CAUTION: There is a danger of causing damage to the decoupling element.

Do not bend the decoupling element more than 10°.
Do not load the decoupling element.
Do not damage the wire mesh on the decoupling element.

-- Separate the front exhaust pipe with catalytic converter at the double clamp and remove it from the subframe. Refer to one of the following:

Gas engine, refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH FRONT EXHAUST PIPE .

Diesel engine, refer to EXHAUST PIPES/MUFFLERS, SEPARATING, SEDAN .

-- Disengage the exhaust system rear section. Refer to one of the following:

Gas engine, refer to REAR MUFFLER .

Diesel engine, refer to REAR MUFFLER, CONVERTIBLE .

-- Remove the floor panel trim. Refer to "Underbody Trim Panel" in Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the heat shield under the shift mechanism.

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