A couple weeks ago I reported that a problem had emerged with my A6 shifter: 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. The shifter works fine from P-R-N-D-S.

While I suspected that it was a problem with the shift control cable, what I failed to mention was that shortly before the problem developed I had upgraded my exhaust system. Sure enough--the cable mechanism was damaged during install of the new exhaust and X-pipe (it now pulls but doesn't push, which explains the above symptoms and interim remedy). My understanding from other posts that this is not an uncommon problem, being that it's easy to damage the cable during an exhaust install.

It's also my understanding (I hope) that replacing the cable is not difficult to do with the C6 A6. What I haven't been able to find on the forum (or elsewhere on the web) are instructions for replacement. Does anyone have any advice, or, even better, a guide or technical instructions? I have access to a lift, although one member posted that he only needed to raise the car on a jack for access in order to fix a kink in the cable caused during an exhaust install.

 

you will need to raise it up on a lift or jackstands. remove the x-pipe and tunnel plate. after doing that, it is a pretty straightforward job. cable isn't cheap tho........should only take a afternoon to do. most likely, your cable got heat damaged. good luck cranky

 

Thanks! I ordered the replacement cable today (along with the 3-volume shop manual)--not too expensive. If the cable is heat damaged, any suggestions to avoid a repeat?