manual shift assembly on 98 VW Jetta GLS ?

You need to remove the Console to remove the shifter:-----

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. Unscrew the shift knob from the shaft

Fig. Detach the cup holder from the console

Fig. Remove the fasteners as shown

Fig. Remove the decorative screw covers to gain access to the attaching screws on the sides of the console

Fig. Location of the lower console mounting screws

Fig. Detach the parking brake button end cap

Fig. Remove the console from the vehicle by sliding it over the parking brake lever as shown

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. If equipped with SRS, wrap the cable in insulated tape, then wait at least 60 seconds before continuing to allow the SRS system time to disable.

CAUTION

If equipped with SRS, be careful not to let the console bump against the SRS-ECU during removal and installation.

2. If equipped, remove the rear floor console.
3. If necessary, remove the ashtray and cup holder assemblies.
4. If equipped, remove the carpet inserts from the floor console assembly.
5. On manual transaxle equipped models, remove the manual transaxle shifter knob.
6. On some models, remove the transaxle shift lever trim plate.
7. Remove the screw plugs in the side covers. Remove the retainer screws and the side covers from the vehicle.
8. Remove the front mounting screw cover from the floor console.
9. Label and detach the electrical wire harness connections for the floor console.
10. Remove the retaining screws and the floor console from the vehicle.

To install:

11. Install the floor console in position in the vehicle and secure with the retaining screws.
12. The installation is the reverse of removal.

How to Replace Your Shifter Housing:--------

The shifter housing on a 1995 Volkswagen Jetta contains the shift linkage for the manual transmission. This assembly guides the linkage from the dashboard into the box that holds the shifter. If yours wears out, it might become difficult to shift into gears. To fix the issue, remove the old shifter housing from the dashboard, then install a replacement in the console.

Unscrew the shift knob from the shifter with your hands. Pull off the trim panel on the center console around the shifter, using a flathead screwdriver to pry off the panel if necessary.

Disconnect the shift lever from the shift linkage with an open-end wrench. Unbolt the shifter gasket from the floorboard with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket and lift out the shifter assembly carefully from the shifter housing.

Lift up the Jetta with a jack and put it on jack stands. Unbolt the shifter housing from the underside of the Jetta with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then lift it up and out of the center console. Install the replacement shifter housing into the console and bolt it in place from the underside of the Jetta with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lower the Jetta off of the jack stands with the jack.

Install the shifter assembly into the shifter housing with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Connect the shifter linkage to the shifter housing with an open-end wrench.

Reinstall the console cover with your hands, pushing it firmly in place, then screw the shifter handle onto the shifter arm with your hands.

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How to adjust your VW shifter cables

Jetta and Passat shifter cable adjustment

Remove the air intake filter box or battery as required for access. A common problem is not being able to shift into 1st gear. Another problem is getting reverse when you shift into first. These may be due to cable stretch and play in the plastic shifter bracket. Loosen the nut (yellow arrow) and move the cable a hair towards the front of the car. Retighten the nut.

Go for a test drive and make sure that you aren't getting reverse when you shift into first. If so, you adjusted it too far. Just move it 2 millimeters per adjustment.

The plastic shifter linkage has also been known to break due to age and wear. To replace it, remove the adjustment nut and slip the cable off the end by lifting the retainer up. If you remove it, grease the pivots. You can also use a metal replacement that shortens the side-side throw (does not adjust the fore-aft throw)

Most of the images are quite bigger, then they appear so--------

Right click on the image and select option "open image in new web" if the image is not seen full or its very small to see.-----------

Most of the images are quite bigger, then they appear so--------

Right click on the image and select option "open image in new web" if the image is not seen full or its very small to see.-----------

shifter adjustment procedure

The factory service manual says that on the mk4 and newer, you have to remove the center console and lock the shifter knob to adjust the shifter cables. This is shown in the video at the bottom. I suggest only adjusting the cable ends because it's easier and faster to just pull the spring back and move the shifter cable end forward or backwards 1 thread.

Have a helper move the shifter and feel which direction needs adjustment to determine which direction to adjust it. This is shown below. If it's still not working then try the method in the factory service manual. Fore-aft adjustment should be the cable on your right when standing in front of the car, looking down, and shown in the picture. Left-right adjustment should be the cable on the left.

On the mk4 you should have enough room to reach in there. On the mk5 Jetta and the mk6 Golf you must remove the engine air filter box for clearance, see1000q: airbox removal for details. Below left is a mk4 shifter assembly, below right is the mk5 with the battery box removed for illustration.

Pull the black ring back to compress the spring (removed for illustration). This will expose the shifter cable end and release its threads from the threads on the cable. Move it forwards or backwards 1 thread/notch to "skip" over the threads and then release the spring to clamp the end onto the cable threads. By turning the black plastic ring you can lock the springs in the compressed position.

You can also grease the pins on the linkage to make the ends move smoother. Release it by lifting the center tab on the clip. I suggest doing it while it's secured to the cable so that it stays indexed to the cable end.

Go for a test drive and check for proper shifter response.

Here is a video from dieselgeek.com showing more details on adjusting the 5 or 6 speed manual transmission shifter. While the manual and the video say that you must lock the shifter and shifter assembly on the transmission to adjust it, if you know which direction it needs adjustment I would just move the shifter end.

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Right click on the image and select option "open image in new web" if the image is not seen full or its very small to see.-----------

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR SEEING THE VIDEO:------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9ggefOjAE&feature=player_embedded

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