How to Adjust Porsche Shifters - 911, Cayman, Boxster

As many of these Porsches age, their shifters can become out of alignment. Fortunately Porsche thought of this and has a cheap and relatively simple procedure for how to fix it. That's what we're covering today.
Interior Removal Tools: amzn.to/2sm0x6Q
Torx Set: amzn.to/2H1UojH
Shifter Lock Bridge: www.suncoastparts.com/product...

[@starrguitarworks]

All this work and no mention of the results. Brilliant.

[@dpav7994]

Ended up finally doing this thanks to your detailed video! Took about 4 hours and I think I pulled every muscle in my body trying to get the shifter knob off! But I finally found a trick, if you put it into 3rd gear, then jam something about 2 inches long (i used a piece of wood) under the bottom of the shifter so it's tight, then pull it back to neutral, it'll pop off quite easily.

[@MrAndyS]

Great video thanks. I think it’s worth mentioning that this alone may not cure the problem if u have worn engine mounts and the transmission mount is also prone to failure which causes a thud under the rear and puts stress on the shifter cables adding to the problem I had to change all mounts then adjust the cables as in the video to fix my shifter issues

[@jonlintner9315]

I don’t even need to do this because I haven’t found the right 997 yet. However, I’m just commenting to say that it’s really nice of you to do a video like this. Oh yeah, and Go Blue.

[@atm4jim]

Excellent video. Good job showing all the steps and details. It helped me install Porsche short shifter kit (SSK). Toughest part for me was pulling up the shifter boot, mine was super tight, felt like I was going to break it. Also as you mentioned, lifting up the shift knob was super hard also. Also took me a while to put the center console back because I forgot order of the trim pieces and which and where the screws go.

[@Big_M_T]

New subscriber and really enjoying your videos. You are incredibly easy to watch and listen to. Very informative too

[@EatSleepDrive]

Thank you!

[@benfidar]

Thanks. Made a HUGE difference. Now first and second are very smooth. And, stripping everything down is trivial; took me just over one hour.. Find another video on removing the shifter surround, there are six snaps not eight; they are on the front and sides with hooks toward the rear of the car. Also, do not rock the knee panels upward, they need to come straight out or the tabs will break; takes quite a bit of fiddling. My adjusting rods did not want to stay open so I had to hold the sliding part while I snapped the rod out and put it back. That was the only difficulty.

[@gordonsneddon8387]

Completed this today on my 997 and it was no problem. Took me less than two hours start to finish. Worth noting that I managed it without removing the gear knob or gator. You just need to angle it and move it through the trim by compressing the gator a little. Thanks for the vid.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Glad it helped!

[@johnt.1288]

I found your video very helpful. I just bought an ‘05 911 so I’m curious to see your experiences. Keep them coming please.

[@MrSebdad]

This is a great video. Thanks for sharing. I just adjusted my cables and the result is excellent. My 2007 997 gearbox feels great again! Cheers

[@Seb.S.]

Hi! I know you left this comment four years ago…. But I’m about to buy a 987 Boxster S with a very sloppy shifter feel. Would this method help tighten it up?

[@DWraysGarage]

Very timely video for me. Have an oem ssk in a box and ready to go onto my 987 Spyder. No doubt would have busted some parts guessing how to get in there without your video here. Cheers and subbed!

[@EatSleepDrive]

Happy to help. Enjoy the new and improved shifter!

[@nsmith1554]

Also new subscriber. These are exactly my symptoms, and relieved to know what's going on with my shifter (2007 Targa 4S). Shop used the words "drop the gearbox" to see what's going on, which sounds extremely expensive. I've ordered the trim and shifter alignment tools and hope to get my ride "shifting sweet" again. Many thanks for posting this procedure. Will post again after the fix is done.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Happy to help. Checkout my video on changing the gear fluid as well. That helped quite a bit as well.

[@jamesp.1784]

Great video you've got me inspired to have a go at mine, just need one of those alignment tools..

[@shermanloh383]

Great video for installing my ssk in my 07 cayman too. Thanks a lot

[@simongchadwick]

Excellent video! Many thanks for taking the time to put it together. Even though I don't have this problem, or this model Porsche, it's still great to see what is under the covers and how the shifter works.

[@jimsego172]

Thanks man, great instructional video

[@ShamileII]

Very descriptive and informative. Thanks

[@gabrielbyrne6676]

Nice input and thanks for sharing. The usual empathy and generosity from you. By the way, you are the twin brother of Daniele Rugani from Juventus 😉

[@matthewjud]

So did this adjustment help? I'm pondering doing this on my 987 Cayman!

[@rodcoulter997]

Good info......great camera work.....A+

[@tesbarnett45]

I like or style my friend, keep up the great work. I'm looking to the same car basically. Thanks

[@Mauritsjacobsen]

very helpful, I have the same problem and and didn't know how to fix it.

[@93455Driver]

I like these kinds of vids (plug Road and Race channel), but like to also see the put back together part.

[@evcarclubofamerica6850]

Excellent video

[@OldAssSax]

ECS ECS! Thanks for the Subaru video.

[@chenzhao1071]

Thanks! Going to be doing this once the parts arrive :) 4 years later and the shifter alignment tool is now $25 + shipping... talk about inflation!

[@matthewinga9546]

What if the cables moved when disconnected. How would you re-aligned them correctly?

[@Aardvark49]

Did you notice a difference in shifter operation after the adjustment? I’ve got an 09 Carrera with 36k miles, wondering if I should do this.

[@markkeaton8132]

Great video. I've looked into buying the lock bridge and none of the sites say it wll fit a 996. Any advice?

[@melp1088]

Is the alignment tool the same for the 5spd base cayman?

[@JoshLoberant]

Great tutorial! Swapping in a short shifter when adjusting the cables, so saving a take-apart-your-expensive-brittle-bodywork task. BTW, that tool is now almost $30

[@EatSleepDrive]

Sheeesh

[@SuperLaxbros]

Great guide! Just did this on my 987 but it still won't go into reverse... Any ideas?

[@tpmbe]

Hi Im having problem with 997.2 manual , the transmission is not always engaging first and also I'm sometimes missing 3rd gear as well. Do you think that is cable related or something else, I suspect it is the adjuster cables as both of the forward positions 1 and 3 seem not to be engaging. I installed a short shift 3 years ago so maybe the cable has stretched with age, also I notice the problem starts after the car has warmed up. Maybe the heat is making the cable slightly longer. Nice video ..Thank You

[@LetsDIYIt]

I know the trim panels are all different, but do you know if the adjustments are the same on a 986S? I think I'd probably switch to a SSK while I'm in there as well

[@partwerks]

Where the left hand cable attaches, is it only a black retainer only, that holds in in place, or is there something else??

[@rveurope]

Great information and Video👍 is there No grease etc necessary on the shift cables that it runs easier? Just a thought...Mine shifts warm engine light butter but cold engine a bit hooky🤔

[@jacques-andrefortin2127]

To go further and change for a short shifter is it more complicated? Your video is very good.

[@williamberry6054]

Matt. It cannot improve the shift action or feel. It simply makes sure the shift knob is in a known position

[@Max-Bliss]

Great tutorial, thank you...hey did you vacuum that transmission/centre console area before reassembly ?

[@briansturgill5905]

Lol I was thinking the same thing. I vacuumed, used air gun and detailed everything before putting mine back. Clean car is a happy car.

[@Iastiven]

good video. would be nicer if you also showed a before and after driving comparison. on a side note you should clean all that grime out of there - gross

[@MichaelGCypher]

Does GT3 shifter have sam problems?

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Very helpful, and thank you so much for demonstrating this. However what if your shifter is just sloppy in all forward gears? My ‘05 Boxster has about an inch of lateral play in its shifter in every gear. Would your fix help with this? Thanks.

[@EatSleepDrive]

In that case it's probably more of an issues of worn shifter bushings. They're plastic and tend to degrade over time. Your best bet is to probably replace the whole shifter and perhaps the cables.

[@dpav7994]

omfg i thought you said it was easy lol... i hate fiddling with trim panels... now be honest because I plan to attempt this myself, how long did it actually take you to do all that AND put it back together after?

[@IbrahimALHammadi]

would it work on a short shifter ? its really hard to change from 2nd to 1st in my car .. its a 2008 997s with the a short shifter option

[@EatSleepDrive]

The short shifter operates in exactly the same way so this applies to yours as well. I can't say that's for sure your problem, but for $10 it's probably worth a shot. Shifting into 1st while moving typically requires double-clutching.

[@guzziiw]

Great video. It is by no means easy though. My car also has this type of symptoms in the winter. Sometimes it is hard to shift into 1st and 2nd gears. But it is a 2013 Boxster S with 20k miles, which I think it is fairly new. What's your recommendation on this? Thank you

[@Chris-hb6jt]

that just happens to most cars with a manual in the cold, happens with first on my cayman

[@mitchmaloney5888]

Thanks for taking the time to post this. I had. the same problem, difficulty changing into 2nd. Unfortunately, this method did not solve the problem, I doubt very much that one or two adjustment widths is going to make much difference.

[@EatSleepDrive]

Adjusting this and changing the gear oil as I did in the other video was an incremental step. But like you said, it's not going to fundamentally change the trans. They just need time to warm up before being optimal.

[@mitchmaloney5888]

@@EatSleepDrive I'll try changing the gear oil also. As you say, I think the combination of the two, changing the oil and adjusting the linkages will help somewhat. Thanks again for the detailed videos and advice.

[@goddyneil]

What shift knob is that? Looks like a 981 shift knob on your 997?

[@mwong987]

Thanks for the video. I just had a Numeric shifter and cables installed. Will that green things (the shift alignment tool) work for the Numeric shifter? By the way, this technique reduces that grinding feeling when going into 1st and 2nd? I plan to change the transmission mounts, motor mounts, and transmission oil - I really want my 987 to shift smoothely!

[@EatSleepDrive]

It can help a little, but won't completely change the feel. Often these transmissions just aren't happy when it's cold. But between this and a fluid change, it was an improvement for me.

[@kwikscopeguy]

Which car would you say is faster, the 911 or the 240?

[@EatSleepDrive]

Sounds like a good idea for a future episode...

[@clairebannister4749]

Lordy what a pain in the bum job that is. You were so patient. I would need to step out of the car and smash something up with a sledgehammer at least 5 times during that procedure.

[@Hoster987]

Just did this....and works well! By the way, do you think it matters whether you install the shifter alignment tool BEFORE or AFTER removing the cables? I don't really think it matters as even if you install the alignment tool before your remove the cables, once those cables are removed, the alignment tool's force will "adjust" the positions. Just double checking.

[@EatSleepDrive]

You're correct, doesn't matter the order. Glad it helped!

[@Hoster987]

@@EatSleepDrive for me, happened once every 40-50 times??? Was at a stop light and had to start the car in 2nd or even 3rd because i couldn't get to 1st or 2nd....otherwise, very smooth.

[@muscleflab]

Awesome vid man, but you forgot the links in the description...

[@EatSleepDrive]

Ahhhh totally forgot. Thanks Matt!

[@muscleflab]

EatSleepDrive lol cool

[@dalehennessey6265]

I know it's been a while but did you have spacers on wheels?

[@EatSleepDrive]

Nope.

[@nicholasrubino5426]

I also know some of the shifters get lateral play in them, does this tighten that up as well?

[@1AM.mp3]

Nicholas Rubino i dont think it fixes the play, it just fixes the alignment of the gear selector.

[@nicholasrubino5426]

@@1AM.mp3 thanks for the reply, I know you said it felt as though the shifter couldnt 'reach" did you feel it was harder to get into first and second gear?

[@1AM.mp3]

Nicholas Rubino i mainly struggle to get into 1st gear. And after the “fix” i still struggle. I might have to go back in and do this again lol

[@nicholasrubino5426]

@@1AM.mp3 LOL okay, I really appreciate the response and information !! Ill give it a shot !! 1st and 2nd on my Cayman are the same way, just FYI

[@scotyfilms]

hey buddy WHat are all those metal looking filings in there. ouch no?

[@benfidar]

We all assume it worked, but you never let us know if it did or how much. No post adjustment analysis at all. Thanks for doing it, but it is hard to tell if it is worth it.

[@David-hn5ix]

I think ill just live with my current shift position

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

This is sooo much easier in Japanese cars.

[@MowSow]

Jan-Michael Franklin Japanese cars don’t have the engine in the back ... duuuhh

[@BMan100]

I must as I respect these cars (because I finally drove one lol)...still want a 928 with a dog leg gear box lol

[@sampathk1212]

Its just like working with LEGO )

[@jeffreysciortino1988]

This does not work totally for a 997.2 The rear compartment fourth screw is under the black trim piece held down by the other three screws.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

👍👍👍👍👍😃😃😃😃

[@WightSkipper]

I'd have broken just about all those bits of trim doing that.

[@anthonyfernandes6027]

Has anyone ever removed trim without something snapping? Better to do it yourself though because I guarantee if a dealer or indy shop does it they wont tell you!

[@MowSow]

I seriously doubt that one notch difference is going to make any difference in shifting in first and second gear ... it’s a waste of time, but great video for anyone that could benefit from that

[@MiniacPL]

Gear knob has a screw under the silver cover. You didn't know that, right? :)

[@EatSleepDrive]

I sure do, but it doesn't help remove the knob itself. rennlist.com/forums/attachments/997-forum/41051d1106173412-shifter-knob-boot-removal-shiftknobstep3.jpg

[@MiniacPL]

Haha. Ok. I was honestly thinking that it could actually help (as I didn't knew that removing shifter the first time). @3.38 you said that knob can be removed by rotating.. so I falsely assumed that you don't have a clue ;)

[@MiniacPL]

Haha. Ok. I was honestly thinking that it could actually help (as I didn't knew that removing shifter the first time). @3.38 you said that knob can be removed by rotating.. so I falsely assumed that you don't have a clue ;)

[@EatSleepDrive]

Well, I still might not have a clue lol. When in doubt, get the hammer :)

[@944Tomcat]

NEVER remove the leather starting from the backside....the plastic underneath will break

[@BRAATZUnlimiteD]

easy fix, just remove half of the car

[@EatSleepDrive]

I lol'd.

[@2philly7venz]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@cryptomaniac967]

Dude, you need a new shifter.