Shift Linkage

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the shift linkage assembly on the 2009 Aston Martin DB9, including disconnection from the transmission selector shaft and adjustment of the linkage for proper gear engagement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Linkage pivot bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Center console trim clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake firmly
2. Chock the rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement
3. Ensure the ignition is off and remove the key from the vehicle
4. Raise the vehicle on a lift or support securely on jack stands at all four corners to provide access to both interior and underside
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven (minimum 2 hours)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console upper trim
   Confirm the transmission is in Park (automatic, via the dash-mounted Touchtronic 2 gear selection buttons) or in gear with the handbrake applied (manual, which has no Park position), and that the ignition is off before beginning work. Note the automatic uses electronic Park actuation. Using plastic trim tools, carefully pry up the center console upper trim panel starting from the rear edge near the cupholders. The panel is secured by push-clips around the perimeter. Disconnect the electrical connector for the hazard switch and any other switches integrated into the trim. Set the panel aside in a protected area to avoid scratching the finish. Note: Confirm the transmission type fitted; the DB9 automatic uses console/dash buttons rather than a lever. Place the vehicle in a safe condition (handbrake applied) before beginning access.
2. 2

   Remove gear selector surround and gaiter
   This vehicle (2009 DB9 Touchtronic 2) does not use a floor-mounted gear selector knob or gaiter; gear selection is via dash-mounted push buttons. Verify against factory documentation what component is actually being serviced before removing any trim or selector mechanism. Note: Identify the fasteners securing the surround per Aston Martin specification (size to be confirmed) and remove them.
3. 3

   Access underside shift linkage at transmission tunnel
   Note: the 2009 DB9 uses a rear-mounted transaxle with electronic shift-by-wire control and no mechanical shift linkage rod through the tunnel. Confirm the actual gear-selection actuation components against factory documentation before proceeding. Use the inspection light to identify all connection points, including the forward pivot point near the cabin and the rear connection to the transmission selector shaft.
4. 4

   Mark linkage position and orientation
   Before disconnecting any components, use a marker or paint pen to mark the orientation of the linkage rod relative to both the cabin-side pivot and the transmission selector shaft connection. Mark the position of any adjustment collars or threaded connections. These reference marks are critical for proper reassembly and minimizing subsequent adjustment.
5. 5

   Disconnect linkage from transmission selector shaft
   The 2009 DB9 automatic (Touchtronic 2) is electronic shift-by-wire with no mechanical linkage or clevis connection to the transaxle selector shaft. Do not search for a transmission-end pivot bolt on the automatic. For the manual variant, identify the cable/mechanism connection per the Aston Martin workshop manual before disconnecting anything, and verify all fastener sizes against factory documentation. Verify the exact fastener size against factory documentation for this vehicle. The linkage may be under slight spring tension, so support it as you disconnect. If a retaining clip is present instead of a bolt, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the clip before separating the joint. Note: Remove the pivot bolt (head size per Aston Martin specification — verify before work) and retain the bolt and any washers.
   Torque spec

   Pivot Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect linkage from cabin selector mechanism
   From inside the vehicle, working through the area where the gear selector gaiter was removed, identify the forward connection point of the linkage to the base of the selector mechanism. This connection is also typically a clevis or ball-socket design. Remove the retaining hardware (pivot bolt or clip) and disconnect the linkage from the cabin selector. Support the linkage to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove linkage pivot bracket from transmission tunnel
   The shift linkage is supported by a pivot bracket mounted to the transmission tunnel or chassis. This step applies only if a mechanical linkage bracket exists for the fitted transmission (the automatic is shift-by-wire with no such bracket). Locate any mounting bolts for the bracket and verify the exact quantity and head type against Aston Martin factory documentation before removal — do not assume a count. Remove these bolts and carefully lower the linkage assembly and bracket as a unit from the vehicle. Be mindful of any heat shields or other components in the area that may interfere with removal. Note: Locate the mounting bolts for this bracket. Verify the exact bolt count and head type against factory documentation for this vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new linkage assembly
   Inspect the removed linkage for wear, particularly at the pivot points and bushings. Check for any elongated holes, cracked components, or damaged threads. Compare the old linkage to the new assembly to ensure correct fitment. Transfer any reusable hardware if necessary. Inspect the new pivot bushings and ensure they are properly seated in the linkage before installation.
9. 9

   Install linkage pivot bracket to transmission tunnel
   Position the new linkage assembly with its pivot bracket into the transmission tunnel area, aligning the bracket mounting holes with the chassis mounting points. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bracket bolts in a cross-pattern to the specified torque using the torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Linkage Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect linkage to cabin selector mechanism
    From inside the vehicle, guide the forward end of the linkage to the connection point at the base of the gear selector mechanism. Align the clevis or ball joint with the selector arm and install the pivot bolt or retaining clip. If using a pivot bolt, tighten to the specified torque. Ensure the connection allows free pivoting movement without binding.
    Torque spec

    Pivot Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect linkage to transmission selector shaft
    The 2009 DB9 automatic has no mechanical rod connection to the transaxle selector shaft (shift-by-wire). This step does not apply to the automatic. For the manual variant, follow the Aston Martin workshop manual to reconnect and adjust the cable-operated shift mechanism and torque any fasteners to the factory-specified values; do not assume a generic clevis/pivot-bolt connection exists.
    Torque spec

    Pivot Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Perform initial linkage adjustment and test
    With the linkage connected at both ends, verify that all gear positions can be selected from inside the vehicle. Verify gear selection behavior appropriate to the transmission type fitted. NOTE: the 2009 DB9 automatic uses an electronic shift-by-wire 'Touchtronic 2' system with no mechanical P-R-N-D linkage; the manual variant uses a cable/linkage shift mechanism with no Park position. Confirm the correct system before proceeding and follow the appropriate Aston Martin workshop procedure. If any position cannot be engaged or feels restricted, loosen the connection at the transmission end and make small rotational adjustments to the linkage rod. If adjustment is required, follow the specific Aston Martin workshop procedure for the fitted transmission; do not assume a generic threaded-rod adjustment exists on this vehicle. For the automatic, verify Park is commanded and holds the vehicle per the electronic system; the manual variant has no Park position and should be left in gear with the handbrake applied. Note: Using the dash-mounted push buttons, select each gear position (P, R, N, D) and confirm the transmission engages correctly. Any calibration or adjustment of the shift-by-wire system should be performed using the manufacturer-specified diagnostic procedure rather than mechanical linkage adjustment.
13. 13

    Reinstall gear selector gaiter and surround
    For the automatic, there is no floor-mounted gear selector gaiter or surround; reinstall any console trim removed for access. For the manual variant, reinstall the selector gaiter and surround per the Aston Martin workshop manual, installing the Torx fasteners and tightening evenly without overtightening (plastic threads), and ensure the gaiter sits properly and is not twisted or binding.
14. 14

    Reinstall center console upper trim
    Reconnect all electrical connectors for switches integrated into the upper trim panel. Position the trim panel over the center console, aligning the push-clips with their receptacles. Starting from the front edge, press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Verify the panel is flush and secure with no gaps.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panels and interior components are properly secured with no rattles or loose clips
2. Double-check that all electrical connections for console-mounted switches are properly seated
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the transmission tunnel area before lowering the vehicle

Verification

• With the engine off and parking brake engaged, move the gear selector slowly through all positions from Park to Drive and back, confirming smooth engagement in each detent position without excessive force or binding
• Start the engine and verify that the transmission engages properly in Drive and Reverse with smooth shifts and no delay
• Confirm that the Park position locks the transmission output shaft and the vehicle cannot be pushed or rolled
• Test drive the vehicle to verify proper gear selection and that the transmission remains in the selected gear without slipping out
• After test driving, re-inspect the linkage connections from underneath for any looseness or movement, and verify all fasteners remain tight
• Confirm that the gear position indicator in the instrument cluster matches the actual gear selector position in all ranges

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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