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Golf Short shifter Install Guide

Your Golf

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Quicker shifts
Medium$100–$1901–2 hrs
All Golf mods

Why do it

Cuts shifter travel for faster, cleaner gear changes.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

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Steps

  1. Remove the console

    • Take the console off.
    Watch this step (on a Mk4) (2:31–3:27)

  2. Get to the linkage

    • Reach the shifter linkage.
    Watch this step (3:27–4:53)

  3. Lower the exhaust

    • Drop the exhaust and heat shield.
    Watch this step (4:53–6:52)

  4. Swap the shifter

    • Fit the new shifter.
    Watch this step (6:52–10:31)

  5. Clear the bay

    • Remove the battery and move the intake.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk5/Mk6) (0:51–1:31)

  6. Remove the lever

    • Undo the nut and pull the lever.
    Watch this step (1:31–2:23)

  7. Fit the new shifter

    • Assemble and fit it.
    Watch this step (2:23–3:23)

  8. Clear the bay

    • Remove the battery and move the intake.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk5/Mk6) (0:51–1:31)

  9. Remove the lever

    • Undo the nut and pull the lever.
    Watch this step (1:31–2:23)

  10. Fit the new shifter

    • Assemble and fit it.
    Watch this step (2:23–3:23)

  11. Clear the bay

    • Remove the battery and move the intake.
    Watch this step (ECS on a Mk5/Mk6) (0:51–1:31)

  12. Remove the lever

    • Undo the nut and pull the lever.
    Watch this step (1:31–2:23)

  13. Fit the new shifter

    • Assemble and fit it.
    Watch this step (2:23–3:23)

  14. Prep

    • Get ready.
    Watch this step (on a Mk7 GTI) (2:09–3:20)

  15. Remove the OEM shifter

    • Take it out.
    Watch this step (3:20–4:59)

  16. Lock the transmission pin

    • Lock it.
    Watch this step (4:59–5:35)

  17. Remove the rest

    • Remove the rest.
    Watch this step (5:35–8:57)

  18. Install the shifter

    • Fit it.
    Watch this step (8:57–13:03)

  19. Check the gears

    • Test every gear.
    Watch this step (13:03–14:22)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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