Shift Cable

Replacement of the automatic transmission shift cable assembly connecting the center console selector to the transmission valve body, including adjustment and function verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Automatic transmission shift cable assembly × 1 — Aston Martin OEM cable assy 6G43-7E395-AA or equivalent
• Cable retaining clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cable grommet (firewall/tunnel pass-through) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure the transmission selector is in Park position and the ignition is off
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
3. Allow engine and exhaust components to cool completely (minimum 1 hour after operation)
4. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at all four corners
5. Remove the engine undertray panels to access the transmission tunnel area from below

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console upper trim and gear selector surround
   Starting in the cabin, carefully pry up the gear selector surround trim panel using non-marring trim tools. The surround is retained by spring clips around its perimeter. Work methodically around all edges to release each clip without breaking the mounting tabs. Lift the surround upward and set aside. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the console upper trim section (typically T25 or T30). These fasteners are usually located under the armrest area and at the front edge near the center stack. The exact count and locations should be verified by inspection as trim attachment varies by production date.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors from selector assembly
   Locate the electrical harness connectors attached to the gear selector position sensor and selector gate illumination. Depress the locking tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. Note the routing and orientation of each connector for reinstallation. There are typically 2-3 connectors depending on specification (base vs Sport mode selector).
3. 3

   Remove console center section for cable access
   Remove the remaining Torx fasteners securing the console center section that houses the gear selector mechanism. These are typically located at the base of the console sides and underneath near the transmission tunnel. Lift the console section upward to expose the shift cable attachment point at the selector base. You may need to manipulate the section slightly to clear the selector lever shaft.
4. 4

   Disconnect cable from selector mechanism
   At the base of the gear selector mechanism, locate the cable attachment point. The cable end fitting typically uses a ball-socket or pin-and-clevis connection with a retaining clip. Release the retaining clip using cable clamp pliers or small flat-blade screwdriver, then disconnect the cable end from the selector lever arm. Note the exact position and orientation of the cable routing bracket if present.
5. 5

   Release cable from cabin mounting points
   Trace the cable routing from the selector mechanism toward the transmission tunnel. Release any cable retention clips or brackets securing the cable to the tunnel structure. The cable passes through a grommet in the tunnel/firewall area. Note the routing path carefully, including any clip positions along the tunnel sidewall. Do not remove the grommet yet; it will be removed with the cable from below.
6. 6

   Access transmission cable connection from below
   Moving to the underside of the vehicle, trace the shift cable rearward along the tunnel to where it connects to the external selector lever on the rear-mounted ZF 6HP26 transaxle. Verify the exact selector lever side/orientation by inspection. The ZF 6HP26 is a rear-mounted transaxle on the DB9; locate the shift cable where it connects to the external selector lever on the transaxle at the rear of the vehicle. Verify the exact selector shaft orientation and side against Aston Martin documentation before proceeding. Clean any debris from the area to identify the cable routing and connection point clearly. Note: The ZF 6HP26 transaxle on the DB9 is mounted at the rear of the vehicle (rear transaxle layout). Locate the external selector lever on the transaxle housing and verify its orientation; position should be confirmed by inspection as the cable connects to the rear-mounted transaxle rather than a front-mounted transmission. Note: On the 2009 DB9, the ZF 6HP26 is a rear-mounted transaxle; locate the shift cable where it connects to the transaxle external selector lever. Verify the exact selector shaft side/position against Aston Martin service documentation for the rear transaxle configuration.
7. 7

   Disconnect cable from transmission selector lever
   At the transmission selector lever, release the cable end fitting. The connection typically uses a ball-socket or clevis pin arrangement with a spring clip or E-clip retainer. Use appropriate pliers or E-clip removal tool to release the retainer, then separate the cable end from the selector lever arm. Verify the transmission selector lever is in the Park detent position before proceeding; confirm the correct Park detent location/direction against Aston Martin service documentation.
8. 8

   Remove cable bracket from transmission
   Locate the cable bracket mounting bolts securing the cable housing bracket to the transmission case or adjacent structure. The cable bracket fastener count, type, and size must be verified by inspection and against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. Remove these bolts and retain them for reinstallation. The bracket holds the cable outer housing and provides the reaction point for cable movement. Note: Verify the exact fastener type and size for the cable bracket bolts against Aston Martin documentation before removal; they are typically two bolts. Note: Cable Bracket Bolts (torque value to be verified against Aston Martin documentation)
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Release cable from tunnel and routing clips
   Working from underneath, release any remaining cable retention clips along the transmission tunnel routing path. The cable typically routes along the passenger side of the tunnel or center of the tunnel depending on production specification. Release the tunnel grommet from its mounting location by pressing the retaining tabs or rotating the grommet to release locking tangs. Carefully pull the cable assembly downward through the tunnel opening, guiding it past any obstructions.
10. 10

    Install new cable through tunnel from below
    Route the new shift cable assembly through the tunnel opening from underneath, ensuring the cable follows the same path as the original. Install the tunnel grommet into its mounting location, ensuring it is fully seated and locked in place. The grommet must seal the tunnel opening to prevent noise and fume intrusion into the cabin. Guide the cable upward through the tunnel, ensuring it does not kink or bind against sharp edges.
11. 11

    Connect cable to transmission and install bracket
    Position the cable bracket onto its transmission mounting location. Install the bracket mounting bolts and tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify value against Aston Martin service documentation for the DB9 cable bracket fasteners). Ensure the bracket is fully seated before final tightening. Connect the cable end fitting to the transmission selector lever arm, ensuring the lever is in Park position. Install the retaining clip or E-clip to secure the connection. Verify the connection is secure by gently pulling on the cable. Note: Install the bracket mounting bolts and tighten to the Aston Martin specified torque (verify against factory documentation for this fastener). Note: Install the bracket mounting bolts and tighten to the Aston Martin specified torque (verify value in service documentation for the 2009 DB9 cable bracket fasteners).
    Torque spec

    Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Secure cable routing under vehicle
    Install all cable retention clips along the tunnel routing path, ensuring the cable follows its original path without excessive slack or tension. The cable must not contact exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving drivetrain components. Verify adequate clearance at all points along the routing path by manually checking clearance to adjacent components.
13. 13

    Connect cable to selector mechanism in cabin
    From inside the cabin, guide the cable end to the gear selector mechanism base. Connect the cable end fitting to the selector lever arm in the same orientation as the original. Install the retaining clip to secure the connection. Install any cable routing brackets or clips that secure the cable to the console or tunnel structure, following the routing path noted during disassembly.
14. 14

    Adjust cable position and preload
    Locate the cable adjustment mechanism, typically at the transmission end of the cable assembly. The adjustment usually consists of a threaded barrel adjuster or adjustment nut on the cable housing where it meets the bracket. With the transmission selector lever confirmed in Park position and the cabin selector also in Park, adjust the cable length to achieve proper indexing with no preload in either direction. Turn the adjustment nut to increase or decrease cable length until the selector lever at the transmission sits naturally in the Park detent without cable tension pulling it forward or rearward. Once proper position is achieved, tighten the adjustment lock nut to the Aston Martin specified torque (verify against factory documentation). Note: Once proper position is achieved, lock the adjustment mechanism per the manufacturer procedure and tighten any lock nut to the Aston Martin specified torque (verify value against service documentation). Note: Once proper position is achieved, tighten the adjustment lock nut to the Aston Martin specified torque (verify value in service documentation).
    Torque spec

    Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Verify shift cable operation and gate indexing
    Before reinstalling console components, reconnect the negative battery terminal and verify shift cable operation. With your foot on the brake pedal, start the engine and cycle through all transmission positions using the vehicle's selector (confirm whether this is the dash-mounted P/R/N/D Touchtronic buttons or a mechanical gated lever for this specific vehicle), verifying that each selection corresponds correctly to the transmission position indicated on the instrument cluster. on the instrument cluster. The selector should move smoothly through all positions with positive detents and no binding. Shut off the engine and return the selector to Park position. Note: slowly move the selector through all available positions (P-R-N-D and manual/Touchtronic mode as equipped for this DB9's selector configuration), verifying each position Note: start the engine and move the selector through all available positions (verify selector type and gate/button layout against the 2009 DB9 Touchtronic configuration), verifying that each position corresponds correctly to the transmission position indicated on the instrument cluster
16. 16

    Reinstall console and trim components
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the gear selector position sensor and illumination components, ensuring each connector locks securely. Position the console center section over the selector mechanism and secure with all Torx fasteners, tightening in a cross-pattern to avoid distorting the console structure. Install the upper console trim section and secure with its fasteners. Finally, install the gear selector surround trim, pressing firmly around all edges until all spring clips engage with audible clicks.
17. 17

    Reinstall underbody panels and final verification
    From underneath the vehicle, reinstall the engine undertray panels, ensuring all fasteners are properly tightened. Lower the vehicle from the lift or jack stands. Perform a final operational test by starting the engine and cycling through all gear positions multiple times, verifying smooth operation, correct position indication, and that the transmission engages properly in each gear (test in a safe area with adequate space).

Reassembly

1. Installation follows reverse order of removal with specific attention to cable routing and adjustment
2. Ensure all trim panel clips are properly aligned before applying pressure to seat panels
3. All Torx fasteners in console and trim components should be tightened firmly but not over-torqued to avoid stripping the receiving threads in plastic or composite structures
4. Verify no cable tension or slack exists at the transmission end after adjustment is complete

Verification

• With engine running and brake applied, verify the transmission engages properly in all selector positions without hesitation or delay
• Confirm that the instrument cluster gear position indicator matches the physical selector position for all gear positions
• Verify the selector lever returns to Park position properly and the ignition key can be removed only when in Park
• Confirm smooth selector movement through all gates with positive detent feel at each position
• Check that the vehicle will only start in Park and Neutral positions
• Verify no cable binding or rubbing noises during selector operation
• Inspect underneath the vehicle to confirm cable has adequate clearance from exhaust and drivetrain components throughout their range of motion

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