automatic trans "linkage" adjustment?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
automatic trans "linkage" adjustment?
My '88 automatic runs through the gears just fine but I noticed yesterday that I cannot move the shift lever all the way to 1st. I also noticed that the indicator line is always a slight bit rearward of the selected position. I suspect this is just an adjustment somewhere but not sure where. I have a manual on order and won't start anything until I get it 
but I'd like your opinions as to where to start.
but I'd like your opinions as to where to start.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
The linkage MAY need adjusting. It's unusual to go OUT of adjustment, but if it's been fiddled with... The adjustment is underneath the car, at the trans. The inability to select first gear is NOT unusual. Often it is because of folds in the boot that prevent the shift lever from moving as far rearward as necessary. You may have a combination of the two stacking up against you.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,397
Likes: 0
From: Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffin glue Orlando
As far as the gear position indicator, that’s located under the plastic shifter plate and I don’t think it’s adjustable, but it may have slipped out of the grove that moves it.
You’ll have to disassemble and inspect.
You’ll have to disassemble and inspect.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The linkage MAY need adjusting. It's unusual to go OUT of adjustment, but if it's been fiddled with... The adjustment is underneath the car, at the trans. The inability to select first gear is NOT unusual. Often it is because of folds in the boot that prevent the shift lever from moving as far rearward as necessary. You may have a combination of the two stacking up against you.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
The most likely problem is the boot bunching up or not stretching enough; try to manually hold it in 1st gear to test this idea.
If the linkage needs a tweak, you will find a slotted link connected to a tranny lever on the left side of the A4. You can reach the nut by reaching under the car without jacking it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
Originally Posted by 65Z01
The most likely problem is the boot bunching up or not stretching enough; try to manually hold it in 1st gear to test this idea.
Sure enough - moved the boot around some and everything works fine.Thanks again all
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