That looks weird, 'cos the plastic housing looks like it should BE at that angle!?!!?

 

I’ve come to the same conclusion, thought it had maybe been assembled wrong but that is the only way it goes together. Time to get searching for a ‘neutral’ housing if they exist. On the bright side I discovered one of the wires to the wee bulb inside was broken so can get one of them at the same time and also got the radio working so all good. Cheers.

 

This is the one on my 1993 2.5 petrol auto. Looks about the same.

 

Thanks for the comparison - it seems that’s the normal position then. I did see a couple of pics where it looked more vertical but they may have had work done as the housings looked different. I’ll get on with other stuff and keep looking out for options - if I get it straightened up I’ll post back on this thread. It shouldn’t be a huge issue as I never use the 1 / 2 / 3 manual selection! Cheers.

 

Are there 2 parts to the Housing? The indentation around the base seems to hint that it may come apart, or at least be a sensible place to cut. You could then 3D print something to mount the upper part at the angle you want.

 

Yes housing is in two parts and both are angled, I was hoping there was a replacement top part that would reduce or eliminate the lean. The potentially bigger issue is even if I get the housing sorted I still need to adjust the lever mechanism. Cheers, Graeme.

 

Mine sits vertical on a 2000 TDi.
I'm LHD, and it doesn't have that "pocket" at the side.

 

Thanks for that, offers some hope. I have seen an auto lever housing without a pocket on newer vans like yours (mine is a 94) and will get a hold of one and see what can be done - as mentioned above still leaves issue of adjusting the lever mechanism itself But one thing at a time. Cheers, Graeme.

 

LHD lever obviously has the thumb button on the other side.
Selection is just a simple forward/backward movement of the shaft to the 'box.
Changing the angle MAY mean adjusting the rod length?
Mine "originally" had an electric push button selection on the dash...I wish they'd left that when they de-converted from disabled user!
Can't imagine how it worked unless it was a stepper motor, or a load of cams and switches.
Also had electric slider and tailgate.

Still have electric hand brake though

 

LHD lever obviously has the thumb button on the other side.
Selection is just a simple forward/backward movement of the shaft to the 'box.
Changing the angle MAY mean adjusting the rod length?
Mine "originally" had an electric push button selection on the dash...I wish they'd left that when they de-converted from disabled user!
Can't imagine how it worked unless it was a stepper motor, of a load of cams and switches.
Also had electric slider and tailgate.

Still have electric hand brake though

I had assumed, probably wrongly, that the thumb button was reversible as the lever has a hole on both sides for the wee hex screw that holds it in place. Push buttons would be great! I’ll have a wee play around with it tomorrow and get a better idea and post back what I discover. Cheers.

 

Pushing the button must release some lock mechanism.
Swapping it to the other side would mean it DIDN'T move whatever should move....my thoughts only...never tried.
My button doesn't work anyway.
I found this out doing about 140kph in Germany, when our dog simply pushed it from D into N

EDIT;
I also just found out I can "start" the engine in ANY position selected!
I guess they didn't bother wiring that switch up when they de-converted!

Also, from this thread, found out I don't have a light in it either!

 

Ive now swapped my button round the other way and it’s working perfectly - there’s an angled section inside which pushes down on the mechanism so does the same job from either side. The blue/white and brown wire is the light wiring. Second pic below is the light and connector (complete with broken wire on mine). Cheers.

 

I did see your post about your four legged driver! One of the many i looked at re my DEXRON question!

Out of curiosity I’ll check my starting ‘options’ - I have the flickering dash indicator already so will be looking at the switches / connectors post MOT.

Just to complete my experiments this morning I loosened off the two bolts holding things in place (can see one at bottom of pic and other is hidden but at opposite side). This slightly loosened mechanism off but there appears to be an anchoring point at very bottom of mechanism that appears to be fixed to floor. I will return to it in time and plan would be to remove what I think is the corresponding bolt underneath and see if this allows mechanism to swing. If it does and gears still select without issue I’ll drill a new hole from below and re site anchor - then try to find suitable housing. Cheers.

 

Last post on this I promise but for info bulb part no is 357 919 243A (doesn’t have the wire extensions but rest is the same (Skoda one seems cheaper). I rebuilt the connector with a couple new spades (not sure of proper name) and all working again - sits in a little holder in housing. Cheers.