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it is a 2004 audi a4 1.8t ultrasport.

while driving, particularly in 3rd and 5th gear - the shifter "ghost shifts" out of gear and into neutral. i have notice that the shifter sometimes "hesitates" to go into gear like it's sticky or something (i feel like it sticks closer to me, rather than closer to the engine).

what could be causing this?

thanks!

lyleswk

Bit of a guess, but I have seen 2 cases in my forum reading in 6 months where the shift rod has bent. If it is bent, there would be different forces on the shifter that could cause a "ghost" shift, especially since it is 3rd and 5th (both in the forward direction; not sure if you ever leave it in 1st long enough to see the same phenomenon). This usually results in inability to shift, but I could see how your situation could occur as well.

Just a thought. Keep us up on the story.

andre.e.adams

My shifter rattles quite a bit in the lower gears, especially 2nd and less in 3rd, but I was told that it's probably due to the linkage or the actual socket the shifter moves around in. A local shop suggested a short shift kit to replace the plastic ball that comes stock for a more solid feel. On top of that the linkage can be replaced as well to make the shifting even more solid.

For a DIYer the first isn't too bad to switch out but I'm not sure about the latter. JHMotorsports makes some solid kits and at the right time they have some 15% off sales (I think around the holidays unfortunately). Shifting issues are hard to address via some text since it can be from a number of issues