6MT shifter does not return to center

**RollinfRock33** · 01-16-2023 05:07 PM

Hi, I'm running a 13 A4 with about 135,000 miles of mostly trouble-free cruising. Recently, the shifter suddenly stopped returning to its resting position near 3/4 when not in gear. It just seems to float and has no tension on it at all. It will shift through the gears, but finding the correct gear is quite difficult. I took the console apart and the shifter seems ok. looking under the hood, I can see the linkage move the and everything seems tight. Any ideas concerning what controls the tension on the shifter and guides it properly through the gears? Is it internal? Is there something in the linkage or shifter itself? Any help would be greatly appreciated as she does not enjoy life in the garage. thanks

**cybernet99** · 01-16-2023 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by RollinfRock33

Hi, I'm running a 13 A4 with about 135,000 miles of mostly trouble-free cruising. Recently, the shifter suddenly stopped returning to its resting position near 3/4 when not in gear. It just seems to float and has no tension on it at all. It will shift through the gears, but finding the correct gear is quite difficult. I took the console apart and the shifter seems ok. looking under the hood, I can see the linkage move the and everything seems tight. Any ideas concerning what controls the tension on the shifter and guides it properly through the gears? Is it internal? Is there something in the linkage or shifter itself? Any help would be greatly appreciated as she does not enjoy life in the garage. thanks

Check the shifter linkage directly under the shifter in the tunnel area. It could be that the rod is slipping within the lock bolt. As you move the shifter left to right, it is actually twisting one of the rods from the shifter.

Check out JXB's video on how to dial in the shifter correctly to work well and not miss any gears.

Also if you are looking for a short throw shifter or to tighten up your overall shifting experience, I would highly recommend you check out his kit, it makes a huge difference!!

**RPMtech147** · 01-16-2023 09:37 PM

I haven't run into one on a B8/8.5...actually pretty rare...I cant remember the last time I worked on one with a 6MT.....But I have worked many cars with a similar issue. Usually it's a bushing in the shifter itself of somewhere in the linkage.

On the older E36/46/E39's BMW's it was an internal spring/ball detent that failed and would make the shifter extra sloppy(if it wasn't the plastic shifter bushings, which was pretty common)

Let us know what you find.

**MongoMcG** · 01-16-2023 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by RPMtech147

I haven't run into one on a B8/8.5...actually pretty rare...I cant remember the last time I worked on one with a 6MT.....But I have worked many cars with a similar issue. Usually it's a bushing in the shifter itself of somewhere in the linkage.

On the older E36/46/E39's BMW's it was an internal spring/ball detent that failed and would make the shifter extra sloppy(if it wasn't the plastic shifter bushings, which was pretty common)

Let us know what you find.

Agree with RPMTech. Look at parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 in the diagram.

It sounds like the spring has sprung. Whether it's broken or the circlip that holds the spring in place has come loose will require a deeper look. If you don't have the factory service manuals, download from erwin.audiusa.com. Point to "My Account" in the top navigation bar on the page and select subscriptions. Get the one day subscription ($35), navigate to where you enter your VIN and it will list the FSMs, TSBs and other relevant docs to download. The FSMs have entire procedures for repairs such as this one.

Different car, but the circlip on my old Austin Healey was a huge PIA to remove and install.

**RollinfRock33** · 01-17-2023 01:41 AM

thanks for diving in with some great info and tips on upgrades and service manuals. I'll have a closer look at that shifter and let you know.

**RockJGC** · 01-17-2023 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by cybernet99

Check the shifter linkage directly under the shifter in the tunnel area. It could be that the rod is slipping within the lock bolt. As you move the shifter left to right, it is actually twisting one of the rods from the shifter.

Check out JXB's video on how to dial in the shifter correctly to work well and not miss any gears.

Also if you are looking for a short throw shifter or to tighten up your overall shifting experience, I would highly recommend you check out his kit, it makes a huge difference!!

How does that compare with the JHM shifter for our cars?

**old guy** · 01-17-2023 10:52 AM

The neutral gate spring is internal to the transmission.

**Theiceman** · 01-17-2023 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

The neutral gate spring is internal to the transmission.

ouch.

Sent from my SM-G973W using Audizine Forum mobile app

**RollinfRock33** · 01-17-2023 12:45 PM

Thanks Old Guy, but that does sound a bit discouraging. Does the trans needs to be dropped and taken apart to get to this neutral gate spring? thanks

**old guy** · 01-17-2023 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by RollinfRock33

Thanks Old Guy, but that does sound a bit discouraging. Does the trans needs to be dropped and taken apart to get to this neutral gate spring? thanks

Check with 19birel. He dealt withn this earlier: Clicky click

**RollinfRock33** · 01-17-2023 02:19 PM

thanks Old Guy, looks like the answer is that I got to get that gearbox out and either find a replacement or take apart the one I have and try and fix this broken piece - and hope I did not damage anything else in the unit. Neither option seems appealing - anyone have a quick "how-to" on pulling and tearing apart this trans?
thanks again!