How to Remove the Gear Lever of an Audi Q5?

[Dianne]

Tools required: panel, screws, pliers, and screwdriver. When removing, use gentle movements; it should come off without much force. Be careful not to scratch the metal panel. After removing the clip, pull gently with a slight force. The metal button will retract instantly, and the original gear lever will be detached. Use tweezers to remove the cover plate, and be patient. Also, be cautious not to injure your hands. It's best not to destructively remove the nails. Follow the screw positions on the gear lever to remove the screws in order, and place the screws in a location where they won't be easily lost.

[DelAdrian]

I've disassembled quite a few Audi Q5 gear levers, and there are actually some tricks to it. First, turn off the ignition switch to ensure the car is in the off state. Then pry open the plastic cover around the gear lever—this requires finesse, gently lifting it from the edge with a plastic pry tool. Underneath the cover are the fixing screws; use a T20 Torx wrench to loosen them. At this point, you can lift the entire gear lever head up and out. However, be aware that electronic gear levers have wiring harnesses connected—never yank them hard. Instead, pinch the clip to disconnect the connector first. When reassembling, tighten the screws diagonally to avoid misalignment. It's recommended to wear gloves throughout the operation to avoid leaving fingerprints on the center console, which can be troublesome to clean.

[JosieRose]

As someone who tinkers with cars in the garage year-round, here's a reliable disassembly process. The most critical tools are plastic pry bars and a T20 screwdriver. First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent short circuits. Pry open the dust cover from the edge of the shift boot to reveal four mounting screws. I recommend taking photos with your phone to document the screw positions before removal, avoiding misalignment during reassembly. After removing the screws, twist and pull the shift lever upward. For electronic versions, be careful with the contact ribbon cable at the back. I've seen beginners snap the wiring outright, resulting in repair costs three times higher than the labor fee. The entire process takes about 20 minutes for experienced hands, but novices might need double the time.

[VonMaya]

Experience from modifying the Q5 gear lever tells you. The real challenge in disassembly lies in the dust cover, as Audi uses particularly brittle clips. Prepare two small flathead screwdrivers the size of fingernails, insert them crosswise into the gap between the leather cover and the trim panel, and gently pry it open. After exposing the T20 screw, turn it counterclockwise to loosen it, at which point the gear lever can be directly lifted by 2 centimeters. The electronic wiring clip requires pressing both left and right sides with your thumb to release. When installing a carbon fiber gear lever, remember to let the new part acclimate to the interior temperature first; too large a temperature difference can cause rattling noises.