The story:

Everything was fine until I decided to do the manual look conversion. I installed a new shift **** and the boot and everything. The gears still switch fine in D but for some reason when in manual mode (+ -) it won't shift down. Shifts up just fine though. Any idea what could be the problem? By the way I did this mod about two months ago and have been driving fine since...just thought I'd look into it now as I really enjoy utilizing the little control I do have in an auto...ha. Any help much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

What shift **** conversion do you have?Momo?
If the **** on the shifter shaft is not in the proper place,it may
not allow the trans to operate correctly.Most times,its push down too low.
If you do have a Momo,loosen the set screws and pull up the **** a bit.
I'd also check your shift boot.Its possible that some material is not allowing
the downshift when you pull BACK on the shifter.I'd check this first.
I'm not a big fan of all that leather "puddling" around the shifter.

 

Thanks for the response J.

Yes it is the momo. I actually did not use any of the set screws. I simply threw the adapter over the shifter and threw the **** over that. It fits quite snug and engages perfectly. As far as the shift boot being the problem, I will look into it. However I must say that the movement is just fine, the shifter moves all the way back without any interference from the boot (I got a boot specifically designed for the mod) but it just won't engage. I'll remove the boot and see how it goes.

Thanks!

 

I'm leaning toward shift boot. On my FX, the OEM boot fit very tight and once after I pulled the shift plate and put it back on, part of it must have bunched up. It kept me from downshifting because the boot kept the shifter from going all the way back. It wasn't all the time, but it happened most of the time. I fixed the boot and it went away. Downshifting is the furthest back the shift **** will go so anything could impede that movement.

 

Turns out you guys hit the nail on the head. It was the boot. I removed it and took it for a spin and it down shifted fine...turns out it was getting bunched up and thus preventing it from going all the way back. I simply adjusted the boot a bit and now everything is engaging properly.

Thanks guys.

 

Strange...I've got the same Momo.Unless the set screws(allen) are used,
TIGHTENED(I also used Loc Tite),assembly moves down.Also,wil effect the
steering wheel lock.Took me awhile to get it perfect.It cannot be too far
down on the shaft.

 

Yep it does affect the steering wheel lock. But for mine all I do is slightly nudge the shifter to the right a bit and it unlocks. However the **** sits snug and in place...quite low as well. At first I would have to loosen the **** by twisting it upwards to get it to unlock but then I readjusted and it and kind of found a 'sweet spot'.

 

I wouldn't do the manual boot look on the A/T. I tried that on a previous car many years ago when i was 18. Thinking about it years later, I laugh at how stupid the whole idea was. I would just leave it stock to avoid stupid problems like this...

What about mechanics or anyone else that might sit in your car for a few minutes to move it, they will be like ??? and probably damage something putting it in the wrong gear.

 

...if your mechanic gets in a car with two pedals and thinks it's manual you might want to rethink who you let work on your car...

 

What about mechanics or anyone else that might sit in your car for a few minutes to move it, they will be like ??? and probably damage something putting it in the wrong gear.

 

Wouldn't the button be enough notice that the car's an auto? I don't see how any mechanic would get in, think it was a manual, push the button to pull the lever, realize that the shifter only goes front/back and still think it was a manual.

 

Pretty sure once the mechanic realizes there is no clutch pedal and a button on the shifter they will know. Also, on the Z it shows the gear on the cluster. I've left it with mechanics and body shops and they have had no problems. Jerz, I do it because I simply think it looks better. The problem itself was minor and as I stated earlier its solved and everything is working fine. Some of the auto G35 come stock with a boot. It's just a sportier look.