2008 A6 Shifter Issue
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 55
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From: Waldorf MD
2008 A6 Shifter Issue
Yesterday, my LS3 A6 developed a shifter problem. Shifter works fine from P-R-N-D-S. Paddle upshift and downshift work fine in S. The car runs perfectly in D or R with no strange noises, etc.
Shifting from S-D-N-R-P, however, now presents a problem. Shifting from S to D, the transmission stays in S unless I ever so slightly overshoot D into N and then pull back to D--I do not actually enage N. Only then does the car shift into D. The same holds true from D to N, N to R, and R to P (e.g., car stays in D when shifted to N unless I slightly overshoot to R and pull back to N, etc.). There are no issues when I shift to P.
This appears to me to be a problem with the shift control cable, but I would appreciate folks' opinions on the matter. The car only as 7K miles, and I'm hoping it's not a symptom of a more complicated transmission issue. Thanks!
Shifting from S-D-N-R-P, however, now presents a problem. Shifting from S to D, the transmission stays in S unless I ever so slightly overshoot D into N and then pull back to D--I do not actually enage N. Only then does the car shift into D. The same holds true from D to N, N to R, and R to P (e.g., car stays in D when shifted to N unless I slightly overshoot to R and pull back to N, etc.). There are no issues when I shift to P.
This appears to me to be a problem with the shift control cable, but I would appreciate folks' opinions on the matter. The car only as 7K miles, and I'm hoping it's not a symptom of a more complicated transmission issue. Thanks!
Last edited by jluster; Sep 22, 2011 at 03:59 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
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From: Ventura County, Calif
I've never seen symptoms like that. So, understanding that I'm only guessing, it's either a cable adjustment or, IMO, most likely a shifter mechanism problem. A cable adjustment, if even possible, wouldn't be a huge deal. A new shifter will be several hundred $$. I hope it's easy but I suggest you get it to a dealer or independent mech soon so as not to mess up anything else. Good luck and please post back and let us know what happens. Will be good info for someone in the future. 
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,739
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From: Austin, Texas
Fortunately (knock on wood), our '08 A6 had been fine so far at 19k miles... Seems like there are a lot of "issues" with this transmission.
I'd talk to a Chevy dealership. Since it is the transmission, hopefully it will be covered by the 5yr/100mi drivetrain warranty. If it is, I'd have them fix it.
Good luck.
I'd talk to a Chevy dealership. Since it is the transmission, hopefully it will be covered by the 5yr/100mi drivetrain warranty. If it is, I'd have them fix it.
Good luck.
