DIY: Reversing the shift direction for 5AT
This mod is an absolute must for anybody that drives their 5AT hard in manual mode...
Think about it. When driving a stick, the hardest shifts are early on (i.e. 1-2)... it's only natural to want to pull back when accelerating and upshifting. And downshifts are usually made by pushing up (i.e. 6-5, 4-3)... common sense.
I got my windows tinted on the way back from the dealership, and did this on day two.
Think about it. When driving a stick, the hardest shifts are early on (i.e. 1-2)... it's only natural to want to pull back when accelerating and upshifting. And downshifts are usually made by pushing up (i.e. 6-5, 4-3)... common sense.
I got my windows tinted on the way back from the dealership, and did this on day two.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Great mod. I was absolutely surprised when I first tried DS mode and tried to upshift and oops! I downshifted! Stuck with the paddle shifters ever since. Even my bro in law's mazda3 has reverse shifting.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 163
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I came from an 08 Lancer Evolution MR with a dual clutch tranny, and it had the shifter swapped. I was so confused by it until I realized how much easier it made it to shift.
Just popped open the panel on my new G last night with the 7AT, and it looks like the harness is identical. I'll be swapping that soon!
Just popped open the panel on my new G last night with the 7AT, and it looks like the harness is identical. I'll be swapping that soon!
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 163
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I keep meaning to sit down and do this, but haven't had the time. The biggest obstacle for me that differs from this how to, is that there's a small rounded panel above the transmission shifter panel that keeps me from pulling the shifter panel out to be able to get to the harness with 2 hands. I tried prying the small trim piece away, but I feel like I'm going to break something. I don't know how it's attached. Kinda wish I could see a breakdown of how it's attached so I know how it comes out.
I keep meaning to sit down and do this, but haven't had the time. The biggest obstacle for me that differs from this how to, is that there's a small rounded panel above the transmission shifter panel that keeps me from pulling the shifter panel out to be able to get to the harness with 2 hands. I tried prying the small trim piece away, but I feel like I'm going to break something. I don't know how it's attached. Kinda wish I could see a breakdown of how it's attached so I know how it comes out.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: GUAM
Hello
So I know this thread was started like 2 years ago, but i just wanted to give my 2 cents...
I have an 08 Sedan V36 with the 5AT.
I love the Manual/Sport mode, but I must I was immediately frustrated with the whole "pull back and shift down" thing.
I had a couple high rev "whoops" moments comming out of a turn.
I did this mod and have to say 12fear, you are a GENIUS.
It was a pain in the **** getting those pins in/out, but other than that, smooth sailing.
The car now shifts like performance cars were meant to shift.
12fear, I dont even know if you're still around, but if you are, how the heck did you know which pins to switch?
p.s.- 1st post! whoohoo!
I have an 08 Sedan V36 with the 5AT.
I love the Manual/Sport mode, but I must I was immediately frustrated with the whole "pull back and shift down" thing.
I had a couple high rev "whoops" moments comming out of a turn.
I did this mod and have to say 12fear, you are a GENIUS.
It was a pain in the **** getting those pins in/out, but other than that, smooth sailing.
The car now shifts like performance cars were meant to shift.
12fear, I dont even know if you're still around, but if you are, how the heck did you know which pins to switch?
p.s.- 1st post! whoohoo!
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Burleson, Tx
Does this procedure work for the 7AT as well?
I don't wanna get in there and have the wires be different colors or the plug be different etc. just don't wanna waste my time.
I don't wanna get in there and have the wires be different colors or the plug be different etc. just don't wanna waste my time.
G-DOG
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 4
From: Louisville, KY (relocated from Brooklyn, NY)
As per my previous posts in this thread, yes, it works for the 7AT. I have also previously posted a JPG with the pin-out diagram and wire colors.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 376
Likes: 23
From: NYC
First post but it had to be in this thread, this is an awesome mod. I was getting so annoyed with shifting up in ds mode, being that I'm coming from a 6spd and being used to the shift style of bmw. Great write up and pretty clear instructions as well.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 68
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A buddy of mine did this mod, and sadly, his engine was destroyed. His brother took the car out not knowing it had been done, and kept trying to upshift (actually downshifting) while accelerating hard in 1st gear. Needless to say, the + / - symbols may throw unaware drivers off.