Transmission shifter and selector cables are binding

BREEZYLULU

MEMBER
2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
2.5L
5 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
121,000 MILES

My car is currently stuck in 5th gear. The stick shift moves semi freely. I'm able to pull it back and forth all I want to however it doesn't move side to side in the slightest. Along with that it also doesn't lock in any of the even gears but does lock in the odd. The dealership said my shifter and selector cable are binding. Is there any way to stop this without a whole replacement?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Other than replacing parts, the only thing I can think of would be to check adjustment. Here are directions that explains how it's done. The attached pics correlate with the directions. Take a look through them and see if anything is helpful.

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2009 Volkswagen New Beetle (1C1) L5-2.5L (BPR)
Shift Mechanism, Adjusting
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Manual Transmission/Transaxle Shifter M/T Service and Repair Procedures 0A4 Transmission Shift Mechanism, Adjusting
SHIFT MECHANISM, ADJUSTING
Shift Mechanism, Adjusting

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Connecting pin (T10027)

The following points are essential to ensure correct shift adjustment:

Components of shift mechanism and linkage must be in proper working condition.

Shift mechanism moves freely

Transmission, clutch and clutch mechanism must be in proper working condition.

Transmission in neutral

- Disconnect intake air duct - 1 - and connector - 2 - from Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor (G70).

Pic 1

- Remove bolts - 3 - and - 4 -.

- Remove complete air filter.

- Pull locking mechanism on shift cable and on selector cable toward front to stop in direction of - arrow 1 - and then lock toward left in direction of - arrow 2 -.

Pic 2

Secure shift rod as follows:

- Press down shift rod direction of - arrow 1 -.

Pic 3

- While pressing down shift rod, rotate bracket - A - upward in direction of - arrow 2 - and simultaneously press it carefully in until it engages in shift rod.

- Carefully pry off cover from upper part of center console - arrows -.

Pic 4

- Pull off cover toward rear from upper part of center console.

- Pull rubber sound insulation toward shift lever.

Secure shift lever as follows:

- Select neutral on shift lever.

- Guide connecting pin (T10027) through hole - A - into hole - B -.

Pic 5

- Turn locking mechanism on shift cable and on selector cable toward right until stop in direction of - arrow -.

Pic 6

The spring presses locking mechanism into initial position.

- Rotate lock bracket - A - back into initial position in direction of - arrow -.

Pic 7

- Pull connecting pin (T10027) out of holes - A - and - B -.

Pic 8

- Install rubber sound insulation.

- Install cover in upper part of center console.

- Install complete air filter housing.

Function

Shift lever must rest in 3rd/4th shift gate when transmission is in neutral.

- Operate clutch.

- Shift through all gears several times. Pay particular attention to function of reverse gear lock.

Should a gear fail to engage smoothly after repeated selection, shift rod play (lift) should be checked as follows:

- Select 1st gear.

- Push shift lever toward left until stop and release.

- Simultaneously (2nd technician), observe shift rod on transmission.

- When moving shift lever, shift rod must move approximately 1 mm in direction of - arrow -.

Pic 9

- If this is not the case, adjust shift mechanism => [ Shift Mechanism, Adjusting ] See: Shifter M/T > Adjustments > Shift Mechanism, Adjusting.

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Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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