DIY: Removing the shift console on an Audi A4 B6 Quattro TIP

[Mikewire]

I had to do some work on my shift console, and there were a few people making threads on audizine.com about similar issues, so I though I would do a quick writeup on how to get into the shift console on a B6 A4 Quattro Tiptronic (not CVT Auto). Here's some instructions, but remember your car may differ slightly, and this is only a guide and should be used for reference - don't hold me responsible for any mistakes you make or anything you break.

Your shift console should look something like this:

I have the SPP Tip Mod, so if you have the stock knob yours will look different:


Turn the car ON (don't start it) and depress the pedal to unlock the shift interlock, and slide the shifter all the way to "S"


Now, remove the shift knob. If you don't know how, SEARCH first - there are many many threads on the process of removing the knob, and I won't get into it here.

EDIT: Use this thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showpost. ... stcount=14 for reference

Then grab the front of the shifter surround and pull up and back towards yourself, then pick up and move the rim out of the way.


Now you should have the trim removed and the shift assembly exposed


Using a flat blade screwdriver or similar, push the tab (pictured) in the outward direction, while gently pulling upward on the shift assembly. Do this for each tab - there is a tab on each corner of the assembly, for a total of 4 tabs.


Now unplug the connection to the circuit board by pressing in on the connector tab and pulling in the direction of the arrow


With the shift console assembly removed, this is what you should have:


Now, separate the shift console trim from the assembly by using a flat screwdriver to press in each tab while gently separating the two halves. There are four tabs to press in and release - two on each side of the trim - be sure to press on the white tabs, NOT the grey tabs.


With the two halves split open, you have the trim on the left and the shift assembly on the right. You can clearly see the magnets that control the Tip selections and +/- controls, as well as another magnet which IIRC tells the car what gear is selected.


Inside the trim should be the printed circuit board which contains the Hall sensors for the Tip controls and gear selector.


To remove the plastic display panel insert from the shift trim, press on the grey tab and pull the insert out.


Installation is the reverse of removal.

I removed the assembly, and then took the time to do a quick refinish with some 180 grit sand paper, then switched to some 380 grit to give it a satin finish look:

[Roadhog]

AWESOME! now i can remove my center console.

[Mikewire]

AWESOME! now i can remove my center console.

This won't apply to you...I hear you like to sit and spin on your shift knob.

[Roadhog]

AWESOME! now i can remove my center console.

This won't apply to you...I hear you like to sit and spin on your shift knob.

It does spin.

[73veedubya]

hey so after you sanded the chrome does it still reflect the sun in your eyes?

[Mikewire]

Nope not shiny at all, so no reflection.

[Rennwagen1]

so was that the reason for dissasembly, or did you need to do some maintenance on the all the foam in the cavity?

[Mikewire]

Replacing the tip selector assembly, and decided to put a brush finish on that shift gate.