Shift Mechanism, Removing And Installing: Removing

-- Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to BATTERY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the boot with the gearshift knob and, if necessary, remove the noise insulation from the center console frame as well. Refer to GEARSHIFT KNOB, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the center console with the center console securing bracket. Refer to OVERVIEW - CENTER CONSOLE .

Installation Position of Noise Insulation and Gearshift Housing Nuts arrows

Fig 1: Installed Position of Noise Insulation and Gearshift Housing Nuts -arrows-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the noise insulation and gearshift housing nuts -arrows-.

-- Remove the noise insulation from the gearshift housing. Refer to OVERVIEW - CENTER CONSOLE .

-- Remove the entire air filter housing if it is located over the gearshift mechanism. Refer to AIR FILTER HOUSING, REMOVING AND INSTALLING (1.5L) .

-- Remove the shift cable from the gearshift lever pins.

Cable Retainer, Separating from Selector Cable

Fig 2: Disconnecting Cable Retainer From Selector Cable

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Pull the securing mechanism all the way forward in direction of -arrow 1- and then unlock to the left in direction of -arrow 2-.

-- Push the relay lever forward (in direction of -arrow 3-).

Relay Lever, Removing with Cable Retainer

Fig 3: Identifying Relay Lever With Clip

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the clip -arrow 1- and then remove the relay lever together with the cable retainer -arrow 2-.

-- Remove the cable bracket from the transmission -arrows-. Unclip the hose line -A- from the bracket -B- beforehand, if necessary.

Fig 4: Identifying Cable Bracket Support Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

Risk of damaging the decoupling element on the exhaust pipe.

Pay attention to OVERVIEW - EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM .

-- Remove the exhaust pipe under the shift mechanism. Refer to OVERVIEW - FRONT EXHAUST PIPE .

-- Remove the heat shield under the selector mechanism. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - HEAT SHIELD .

-- Pivot the shifter housing downward and remove it with the shift cables.

With the Relay Lever Removed: Pry the Selector Cable Retainer Off of the Relay Lever.

Fig 5: Identifying Screwdriver To Pry Selector Cable Retainer Out Of Plastic Relay Lever

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Insert a screwdriver -A- between the bushing -B- and the relay lever.