DIY: S-Tronic Knob swap

**djrabbi** · 01-16-2015 06:51 AM

Finally got mine on with purchasing a new knob since I pushed button in before install

**tctc24** · 02-03-2015 01:09 AM

does anyone know if the area beneath cup holder is isolated from the part that is beneath where the gear lever and all the control buttons are in front of the cupholder? Also, are there wires under the cup holder? I spilled some drink into that area so I was wanted to make sure it will not cause any problems. thx!

**xbnipx** · 02-16-2015 08:20 PM

MAKE SURE you file down any burrs or glue(if you used it) around the shift rod! If you don't you the knob button will not go back after pressing. Sand and file the outside of the rod. Make sure u pull up the rod a little and sand around there too. When you pull the rod up and down it should not catch on the metal. If it does this will explain why you can't get the button to spring back. I hope this helped. I spent 4 hours in my car until I figured it out.

**if6ws9** · 02-17-2015 04:11 AM

Originally Posted by djrabbi

Finally got mine on with purchasing a new knob since I pushed button in before install

What'd you do with the other one (with the button pushed)?

**ryan_m** · 05-24-2015 01:18 PM

Words do no justice to the nightmare of a day I had trying to install the S-Tronic shift knob. Surprisingly enough no issues to speak of with the heat & twist method, took just over an hour and bent it the 90 degrees. Install wise, the damn pin will not seat in the shift lever. I've reset the damn pin so many times, the spring retaining the lever came undone. Seriously. Nightmare day. Don't know whether or not to just order a new one or try and get the springs re-set (spring.. lost one)

I've sanded, I've cleaned the spurs and the bottom of the plastic shaft... I'm out of ideas as to why the trigger won't grab the shifter column. Anyone have any thoughts? I have a bigger problem now with the lack of springs inside the shifter, but I'd love some input from people who have figured these kinds of issues out before.

Thanks.

**S-Liner** · 05-24-2015 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by ryan_m

Words do no justice to the nightmare of a day I had trying to install the S-Tronic shift knob. Surprisingly enough no issues to speak of with the heat & twist method, took just over an hour and bent it the 90 degrees. Install wise, the damn pin will not seat in the shift lever. I've reset the damn pin so many times, the spring retaining the lever came undone. Seriously. Nightmare day. Don't know whether or not to just order a new one or try and get the springs re-set (spring.. lost one)

I've sanded, I've cleaned the spurs and the bottom of the plastic shaft... I'm out of ideas as to why the trigger won't grab the shifter column. Anyone have any thoughts? I have a bigger problem now with the lack of springs inside the shifter, but I'd love some input from people who have figured these kinds of issues out before.

Thanks.

Perhaps you're just fucked, dude.

**Shimmy** · 05-24-2015 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by S-Liner

Perhaps you're just fucked, dude.

hahah! this made me laugh!

op did you twist it 90 in the right direction?

**Thadub** · 07-03-2015 09:27 AM

Sorry guys for jumping in so late. Im new to the B7 Avant (2008) and am tinkering with some parts. I saw this thread and my question is, does anyone know if you are able to swap out the Shift Knob with an S-Tronic Knob? I see this one is about the B8, but not sure where else to ask in regard to my B7.

Thanks!

**ryan_m** · 07-09-2015 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by S-Liner

Perhaps you're just fucked, dude.

Perhaps not, dude.

Forgot to post an after photo. All is well over here.

**rmb4me** · 07-17-2015 11:50 AM

Thanks for the details and courage!
swapped it last night and now I groove on seeing the shifter!

**asian_A7** · 08-12-2015 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by brainpan

6. Now the dicey part, as you will notice the S-tronic knob has its pull trigger at the front of the knob, while the stock one's located on the left. To make the s-tronic shifter compatible, you must heat up the white plastic shift stock and rotate it 90 degrees. I used a heat gun to heat the plastic. Take your time doing this, if you don't have enough heat you will snap the stock, and to much heat will deform it.

7. Allow it to cool, this is a good time to transfer you original boot to the new knob. I used a zip tie to bring in the plastic tabs, they are a retainer to hold the knob in place. Youll have to do some force to pull it apart. To install the new knob onto the boot just reverse the process and make sure it is seated in all the way.

8. This is a side step because of a problem i ran into. When you heat and twist the plastic stock you will create burs. This will cause the plastic stock to get caught up in the shifter and your trigger on the shifter wont return. I used medium grade sand paper to smooth out the stock, and a small file.

I've got a few questions,

1, Is there another way to rotate the plastic 90 degrees? Or is that the easiest/only way?

2, Also I couldn't really see where you used the sandpaper, where did you sand it?

**Navyseal#6** · 11-12-2015 04:06 AM

Great write up! I did this mod yesterday, it took less than 30min. Looks and feels great, thank you

**JeriQo** · 11-12-2015 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by k9lovr

Nice mod and write up....I dunno if i am bold enough to mess with the heat gun and bend yet....in time maybe...

yea... thats a one and done job lol. but looks really nice tho!

**Rinaldi** · 03-06-2016 02:17 PM

How difficult is this install and heating up the shifter and twisting 90 degrees? I like the STronic shifter but am concerned on screwing this one up.

**The Infiltrator** · 03-06-2016 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Rinaldi

How difficult is this install and heating up the shifter and twisting 90 degrees? I like the STronic shifter but am concerned on screwing this one up.

It's easy, it just requires time and patience.

**ed@mtl** · 03-06-2016 03:48 PM

I used the cut and tap method instead. Which I think is wiser.

http://forums.fourtitude.com/showthr...printing/page2
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...onic-Shift-Rod

**ducati** · 03-08-2016 11:54 AM

I have a slight problem...when i installed the new knob I pushed down and took off the strap holding the button out.The button went all the way in and now I cant get it out.What happen how do I get the button out?I think I may have not push the knob down enough.

**JeriQo** · 03-08-2016 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by ducati

I have a slight problem...when i installed the new knob I pushed down and took off the strap holding the button out.The button went all the way in and now I cant get it out.What happen how do I get the button out?

this happened to me as well when i removed it to stitch the boot. i freaked the fuck out lol.

get a thread, loop it under the trigger and pull up!

(i used that red nylon i was working with)

**ducati** · 03-08-2016 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by JeriQo

this happened to me as well when i removed it to stitch the boot. i freaked the fuck out lol.

get a thread, loop it under the trigger and pull up!

(i used that red nylon i was working with)

Your the man...got it out.So I didnt push the knob down enough so the button went in right?.I using dental floss and a toothpick to push the floss down.I going to try again after I calm down with a beer...lol.

**JeriQo** · 03-08-2016 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by ducati

Your the man...got it out.So I didnt push the knob down enough so the button went in right?.I using dental floss and a toothpick to push the floss down.I going to try again after I calm down with a beer...lol.

youre supposed to block it with something so it doesnt go in lol.

yea that floss should work. i used a ziptie to push the thread down. also its easier to have a buddy hold on the to trigger once you get the trigger exposed enough to hold on to.

**ducati** · 03-08-2016 01:46 PM

I got the button out already but wonder why it happen in the the first place.I did push the knob down until it felt it bottom out.Maybe not far enough?.

**JeriQo** · 03-08-2016 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by ducati

I got the button out already but wonder why it happen in the the first place.I did push the knob down until it felt it bottom out.Maybe not far enough?.

pull the button out and insert that knob all the way down. make sure that trigger is facing left.
yea maybe its not far enough but dont use too much force

**ed@mtl** · 03-08-2016 02:57 PM

maybe you have to sand the slot a bit more and use some lube afterwards.

**ducati** · 03-09-2016 08:52 AM

Like to thank JeriQo for his string trick to pull out the button.10 minute installed that took me 25 minutes trying to figure out how to pull out the recessed button.

**JeriQo** · 03-09-2016 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by ducati

Like to thank JeriQo for his string trick to pull out the button.10 minute installed that took me 25 minutes trying to figure out to pull out the recessed button.

no prob! that looks nice!

**auditd0rk** · 03-09-2016 09:17 AM

Just an FYI for stuck triggers... you can also take a coat hanger to hook the tab inside to pull the trigger back out to the lock position.

**JeriQo** · 03-09-2016 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by auditd0rk

Just an FYI for stuck triggers... you can also take a coat hanger to hook the tab inside to pull the trigger back out to the lock position.

very high chance you scratch that shiny trigger if you use any metal to squeeze and hook it in that tiny gap.
shimmy suggested a paper clip to hook it, i improvised

**auditd0rk** · 03-09-2016 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by JeriQo

very high chance you scratch that shiny trigger if you use any metal to squeeze and hook it in that tiny gap.
shimmy suggested a paper clip to hook it, i improvised

I should have clarified... you insert the coat hanger into the shaft of the shifter and pull the hook from the inside, locking the trigger in the open position. Like this (not my video):

**JeriQo** · 03-09-2016 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by auditd0rk

I should have clarified... you insert the coat hanger into the shaft of the shifter and pull the hook from the inside, locking the trigger in the open position. Like this (not my video):

i like my thread method

i might break a clip or spring inside that doing that. im prone to breaking things lol

**Fastbke170** · 03-09-2016 12:49 PM

Does anyone know if a Q3 Shifter Knob (Stronic) will Fit a B8 A4? Im Aware obviously of the 90 Degree turn for the Button, But Not sure if the internals are the same. Reason Im Looking at this option is its offered in Brown for a Beige interior. Its Listed here
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/OEM-S...08.4.30.up7y4J

**ed@mtl** · 03-09-2016 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Fastbke170

Does anyone know if a Q3 Shifter Knob (Stronic) will Fit a B8 A4? Im Aware obviously of the 90 Degree turn for the Button, But Not sure if the internals are the same. Reason Im Looking at this option is its offered in Brown for a Beige interior. Its Listed here
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/OEM-S...08.4.30.up7y4J

That's the exact same company and site I got my shifter from. It works/function but the trigger is a bit loose.

**4point2** · 03-19-2016 02:23 PM

Ok so I got basically this A3/S3 knob, used (from a part out), off ebay:

it arrived with the button already pushed in. I have managed to loop some string around it and pull it out, but it doesn't reset. as soon as I stop pulling on the string, it pops right back in. I also got the pick tool from the local hardware store and I've tried inserting it in the end, it goes in but there's nothing to release as I turn the tool around in the knob.

Am I missing something?

I'll try the compressed air (80psi for 3 seconds) method when i'm back at work monday.

**Poodini** · 03-30-2016 02:38 AM

Could really use some help!

Just received my shifter+boot fr Europe.
Like others, the button is pushed in and it did not come with the hook tool.
I've tried cutting a hanger wire with no luck.
I'm still unclear as to the use of dental floss/string. How do you position it as such to get enough of the buttons edge in order to 'pull' it out?

In any event, if anyone out there can give me clearer directions i.e. Pictures or a vid showing how to disengage this button, I can get to installing this bad boy!

And yes, I've watched the YouTube vid showing how it's done with the tool..

🏼️

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**JeriQo** · 03-30-2016 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Poodini

Could really use some help!

Just received my shifter+boot fr Europe.
Like others, the button is pushed in and it did not come with the hook tool.
I've tried cutting a hanger wire with no luck.
I'm still unclear as to the use of dental floss/string. How do you position it as such to get enough of the buttons edge in order to 'pull' it out?

In any event, if anyone out there can give me clearer directions i.e. Pictures or a vid showing how to disengage this button, I can get to installing this bad boy!

And yes, I've watched the YouTube vid showing how it's done with the tool..

🏼️

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

use a thread. that was my official tool when mine went in.
ease the thread under the trigger then pull out.

**Poodini** · 03-30-2016 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by JeriQo

use a thread. that was my official tool when mine went in.
ease the thread under the trigger then pull out.

Thanks J! Time to brush up on my crocheting skills!

**Poodini** · 03-30-2016 08:28 PM

MAN.. For the life of me, I CANNOT seem to thread this damn floss into position to actuate the latch!!
Anyone out there who's experienced with this please hit me up or post some how-to pics or vid..
Or, if anyone wants to loan me their shifter hook tool!
Hell, just point me in the direction of how to order this damn tool!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**JeriQo** · 03-30-2016 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Poodini

MAN.. For the life of me, I CANNOT seem to thread this damn floss into position to actuate the latch!!
Anyone out there who's experienced with this please hit me up or post some how-to pics or vid..
Or, if anyone wants to loan me their shifter hook tool!
Hell, just point me in the direction of how to order this damn tool!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Send me your old knob and ill take a vid for you lol
Man that sucks you cant use your car for a few days.. unless you put the old knob in.. wait.. you already twisted the abs stem, huh?

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