what's this part for?

[redcab]

2001 996 tiptronic cabriolet (US)

 

The tiptronic shifter started binding and getting stuck between "D" and "M" so I took it all apart and found a triangular piece of plastic with a spring attached just under the shifter gate.

The spring pushes the plastic piece upward into the shifter gate trim piece (the one with the P-R-N-D-M gates). The shifter itself passes through the hole.

 

996-552-687-00-01C   Since it caused the binding, I took it out.  Does this piece have any useful function? Will I regret removing it?   Many thanks!

Edited May 18, 2018 by redcab
clarity

[judgejon]

My best guess is that it serves as sort of a dustcover to prevent stuff falling into the shift track.  slides back and forth with gearshift I'd bet.

Could also be a sort of lock-out or pressured spring to prevent you from accidentally going into reverse.  There was something like that on my 1968 Camaro.

Alternatively, it could be the safety lock-out for the ejection-seat mechanism.

Alternatively, it could be the parachute release lock-out for quick stopping assist when hard-breaking occurs over 145 mph.  I think this was another of 573 options available on the car.

Good luck from up northwards of you.

Very cool to post the diagram and pic.

 

[redcab]

At $3.53 it's the cheapest non-washer part I've ever bought for the P-car.

Sort of wish it had a use... I'd buy more. haha!

 

Edited May 19, 2018 by redcab

[wyovino]

If it was binding, it was positioned wrong. I had to fiddle with mine when I removed and reinstalled my center console.  There is a longer plastic piece that moves forward and back when you move the shifter. My guess is that this puts upward pressure on that piece so it stays in the proper channel.  That longer plastic piece is attached to the underside of part #30 in the diagram.

Edited May 19, 2018 by wyovino

[ttocs]

I agree with wyovino's post and had same experience. It's a bit finicky to get back in place the way it's intended to be.

 

The orientation has to be correct for it to follow a "channel" under part #30.

[judgejon]

Wyovino is right I believe. This would keep some tension on the slider piece. 

But, still could be drag-chute release.   

[redcab]

Thx for replies... but what function does it perform? Is it just a dustcap? Since I removed it I can't really say I notice much difference in either look or feel!

[judgejon]

Yep, just a dust cap.