A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Issue?
 

Hello Everyone,

I have noticed that my shifter is slanted to the right when in neutral (see attached picture) and I'm trying to find out whether that is normal or maybe could be causing the problem (or at least indicating a shifter/linkage alignment issue).

What do you guys think? Does the shifter look alright to you or does it need to be adjusted? Am I understanding correctly that an alignment issue would cause permanent/consistent difficulty putting the car into gear (as opposed to the intermittent issues I'm having)?

Any ideas/comments would be much appreciated!

I understand this a very common issue and I've read tons of threads on it on this and other forums but none that could answer my question (most common diagnosis seems to be worn synchros, though :( ).

Thanks and Cheers!

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More detailed description of my problem, if anyone is interested:

- 2008 B7 A4 with ~100k KMs that I bought recently - all stock/no SS
- Hard to put the shifter into 1st gear from N some times from standstill (lots of resistance)
- Going into 2nd (either from 1st or N) is notchy and requires significant effort
- Going into 3rd is effortless/easy but also a bit notchy and I feel a grinding/rough spot while throwing (no noise though)
- 4, 5, 6 and R are all very smooth and easy at all times.
- Transmission fluid was changed 3-4 months ago with Audi OEM fluid (according to previous owner)
- Problem is worse when cold but still present (intermittently) once warmed up
- Common work-around of going to 2nd first from neutral (or N > 3rd > 2nd > 1st when 2nd feels too stiff) always works (is this a definite indication of a synchro problem?)
- Clutch is in good shape with no slipping

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

Bump.
Could someone compare their shifter position (in neutral) with my picture? I'd be grateful for any feedback!

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

Bump 2.

Anyone?

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

HI Mani: I've included a pic of my shifter - 2007 A4. Hard to tell, but maybe yours is a little to the right. From the other problems you're describing, sounds like further investigation is needed! You've read the same posts I have, cuz I notice some difficulty into first too.Attachment 8797

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

Hard to really tell from the pics - on mine the marking on the shift know for Reverse looks to be pointing to the middle of the stereo ie the gap between the middle stereo buttons; means mine would be slightly left of where yours seems to be pointing. 1-2 can be notchy when cold but once things warm up my shifting is fine.

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

Thanks for the replies/info guys.

I had the dealership look into this and they found that the shifter had excessive play and the bushing and pivots at transmission were worn out. They replaced the bushing and pivot ball.

These are the items listed on the work order in case anyone is interested:

1 x 8E0-798-151-C Repair Kit
2 x N-909-568-03 Screw
1 x 1K0-253-141-M Clamp

The shifter is definitely much better/smoother now. It's still a little difficult to put into 1st and occasionally 2nd (some resistance) but significantly better than before and I no longer need to put it in 2nd/3rd first to "unlock" 1st. Also, I can't feel the rough spot going into 3rd anymore. So far so good and I'll keep an eye on it... but I suspect it might get worse again once the temperature drops below -20 ;)

As for the angle of the shifter, it's still at the same position after the repairs and the Audi tech said that it's normal and that it is supposed have a ~2 degree angle to the right (I think mine is closer to 5 degrees but I guess it's close enough).

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

i have trouble with the first and a clunk crunch in third,

Re: A4 Hard to Put into 1st (intermittent): Shifter Alignment Iss
 

manie5 thx for the info, my 06 A4 has a similar issue when shifting from 1st to 2nd, very notchy. Also from 2-3rd sometimes. It's going in for set service in May, will have them focus on bushing and pivot ball. Thx again!