Stiff shift linkage when warm

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Jan 12, 2006 | 05:21 PM

TexasMule

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Stiff shift linkage when warm

I did a search but couldn't find anything similar to what I'm experiencing.

Bought an '05 A4 3.0L Avant 6sp about a month ago and I just started noticing that when the temprature rises the shift linkage seems to stiffen up, especially side to side.

My wife's R32 (which we've had for over a year) never does this.

When it's cool outside everything seems fine.

Has anybody else experienced this? The car has less the 12K on it so it surely can't be from worn shift linkage.

Jan 12, 2006 | 06:29 PM

Tsle

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From: Washington, DC

That's sort of the opposite of usual- Most people have stiff shifting when it's very cold out.

Jan 12, 2006 | 07:02 PM

a4tisâ„¢[Bye Turbo]

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Have the dealer check that out -tranny problems should be fixed asap.

Jan 13, 2006 | 03:08 AM

ALAN553

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Re: Stiff shift linkage when warm

I have a 2004, 3.0 with the six-speed and the same thing has happened to me when driving in traffic for a while. I pulled the cover off and tried some grease on the plastic/silicone "ball" but it happened again. I plan on bringing it to the attention of sevice when I go in for my 35,000 mile service, not that i expect them to solve it.

Jan 13, 2006 | 03:10 AM

ALAN553

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Re: Stiff shift linkage when warm

I should add it is only the ability of the spring to bring the shifter back to center i.e. neutral, side to side.

Jan 13, 2006 | 07:06 AM

TexasMule

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Re: Stiff shift linkage when warm

Agree Alan, it's not the transmission per se, but the shift linkage.

I don't have a problem getting it into gear, just that the shifter seems to stiffen up while driving in traffic.

Same here, it appears it's the spring that brings the stick back to the neutral position.

I've already tried the grease fix, no joy.

May have to get under the car.

Jan 13, 2006 | 10:13 AM

ALAN553

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Re: Stiff shift linkage when warm

Email me if you think you discovered something, Alan553@aol.com, put A4 in the subject line so I open it. Needless to say, i have no confidence in the dealer adressing the problem because it will be fine when i bring it to them. I was thinking maybe the plastic expands with excessive heat,ie traffic and constant shifting, and maybe the tolerances of the fit are to close. I should add that it has happened in colder temps here in the northeast while dealing with stop and go traffic in New York City....