I'm about to start my A4 shifter conversion to the C6-A6 shifter. I know the end of the shifter cable sometimes break while working around it and in anticipation that I may have to replace this cable can anyone provide instructions on how to replace the cable....just in case I screw something up....

Padrino

 

ttt

 

From the '02 Service Manual:

Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Replacement
Removal Procedure




Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Shift the floor shift control to NEUTRAL. If replacing a damaged cable, be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.
Remove the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
Remove the driveline tunnel closeout panel.

Important
Use care to not suddenly jerk the shift control cable during disassembly, the shift control cable rod end guide tubes are EXTREMELY INFLEXIBLE and capable of only a SLIGHT bend.


Using a large flat bladed screwdriver, CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the floor shift control arm stud.
Remove the shift control cable from the driveline tunnel bracket.
Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
Depress the cable retaining tabs.
While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the driveline tunnel bracket.
Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.




Remove the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission.
Reposition the cable and cable bracket away from the studs.



CAREFULLY release the shift control cable end clip from the transmission shift lever stud.
Remove the shift control cable and bracket.



Remove the shift control cable bracket from the shift control cable, if necessary.
Using a flat bladed screwdriver, pry the shift cable retaining staple clip from the cable.
Depress the shift cable retaining tabs.
While depressing the tabs, push the tabs through the hole in the shift cable bracket.
Slide the cable out of the bracket slot.
Installation Procedure




Install the shift control cable bracket to the shift control cable, if removed.
Slide the smaller diameter portion of the cable into the slot in the shift cable bracket.
Push the tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs. Press the staple clip firmly to secure.




Position and install the shift control cable to the driveline tunnel bracket.
Slide the smaller diameter portion of the shift cable into the slot in the driveline tunnel bracket.
Push the shift cable retaining tabs through the hole in the bracket to lock the cable in place.
Insert the shift cable retaining staple clip between the shift cable retaining tabs. Press the staple clip firmly to secure.
Align the shift control cable end to the floor shift control arm stud.
CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the floor shift control arm stud.



Install the shift control cable bracket to the transmission studs.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the nuts retaining the shift control cable bracket to the transmission. Tighten
Tighten the transmission shift control cable bracket retaining nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).





Check to be sure that BOTH the floor shift control and the transmission are in NEUTRAL.
Align the shift control cable end to the transmission shift lever stud.
CAREFULLY secure the shift control cable end clip to the transmission shift lever stud.



If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, remove the shipping guard from the adjuster lock.



If installing a NEW transmission shift control cable, depress the shift control cable adjuster lock.
Lower the vehicle; leave the vehicle on the hoist.
Verify that the shift control cable is operating smoothly:
Firmly apply the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to ON; DO NOT start the engine.
Apply the regular brakes.
Shift from NEUTRAL to FIRST, then shift from FIRST to SECOND, then DRIVE and so on; pause for 1 second in each detent position. Take note of an audible sound from the transmission shift lever each time a shift detent is selected.
Shift from PARK directly to FIRST.
Repeat steps 13.4 and 13.5 an additional 2 times.
If any binding is felt during this check, or if no audible sound was produced from the transmission shift lever, inspect the shift control cable for damage (at either end of the cable).
Shift the floor shift control into PARK.
Release the regular brakes.
Turn the ignition switch OFF.
Release the parking brake.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Install the driveline tunnel closeout panel.
Install the catalytic converter assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.

Caution
Road test a vehicle under safe conditions and while obeying all traffic laws. Do not attempt any maneuvers that could jeopardize vehicle control. Failure to adhere to these precautions could lead to serious personal injury and vehicle damage.


Test drive the vehicle in an area with little traffic; ensure that the transmission will shift smoothly into, and maintain each detent position.

 

What's the reason for doing this ?

 

The exhaust from the headers back needs to be removed then the tunnel plate can be removed to access the cable. The cable has a plastic clip on the transmission end that is the adjustment as well as two small bolts for the outer tubing, up front it pushes into the hole in the tunnel frame. You should get the shop book section for this so you don't break the cable by lifting it too much. I don't see why a steel cable couldn't be attached to the broken shifter cable end so as it is pulled out from the back the "fish" cable would allow the new shifter cable could be pulled back into position without removal of the exhaust and tunnel plate but I never tried this technique. Remember that the shifter can only be lifted about 1/3", any more and it will crack so use extreme caution. When replacing the cable to the new shifter it is helpful to loop a wire or string around the shifter cable end so it can be slightly pulled to the left and held to the shifter arm ball as a screwdriver forces it to seat on the ball. Once the cable end is seated on the shifter arm ball the wire can be pulled out.

 

Another forum member posted his change over to the A6 shifter.

Simply, I like it as it does update the interior in a subtle way without any bling.

I'm not a mod person other than the Z06 rims/suspension/lowering and eurolights but when I saw the pics of this as a finished product I really liked the looks.

My thanks to 'bryonhunter' below for providing the absolute frightening instructions. I noticed the extensive use of the word "CAREFULLY".

Padrino

 

Thank you for the extra 'tips' on this. Between you and the factory instructions provided by 'bryonhunter' if I hadn't already bought both an A4 and A6 shifter (to work on the conversion while I keep my car in 1 piece until the swap) I'd really have second thoughts about taking this on.

Padrino

 

My car is heavily modded.

As far as changing over the auto shifter cable it's not bad at all. Once the exhaust and tunnel plate are out of the way. It's got two 10mm clips on the torque tube that hold the cable.

Thanks for the info on the C6 shifter as I never heard of that mod.