DIY gear shift removal and lube (short video)

[Quagmire]

How do you remove the knob if your shifter is the one without the collar? Mine (01/08) just has a one piece plastic tube under the knob and it won't turn.

[alyx13]

Dave's solution is the one my dealer told me to use - takes 30 seconds and works! Use pure silicone spray.

[Alustiza]

This just happened to me, and I picked up my car in April so it is obvious that this problem has not been fixed. I am going to file the necessary complaint with the National Highway Safety Board, which I believe is the agency that handles recalls. This is total BS, as there should not be any problems with any shifters on any cars period. And for those who defend Smart for releasing such a total piece of crap shifter, wait until you get stuck out in the middle of no where. I hope all that have had this problem will also file complaints as it is obvious this is the only way it will get fixed for good.

[Alustiza]

Here is the web site for recalls. I just filed a complaint. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

[hrbone]

white lithium grese works the best last longer then thin lubs..

[smart y pants]

At 4000 miles just started with the shifter problem. After following the post as to how to remove the shifter knob it was a very easy fix. By being patient I was able to wiggle the shift button enough to get the shifter into neutral. Was able to twist the collar easily by hand, although no audible click is heard so you have to lift on the knob while twisting to get the job done. Applied plumbers grease (which is safe on plastic parts) inside the shifter knob with a small screwdriver while pushing the shifter button to get good coverage as well as on the nylon column pin protruding from the shifter box. When reassembling and turning the collar there is an audible click when back in place. 10 minute fix. All is well again.

[hrbone]

Originally Posted by smart y pants

At 4000 miles just started with the shifter problem. After following the post as to how to remove the shifter knob it was a very easy fix. By being patient I was able to wiggle the shift button enough to get the shifter into neutral. Was able to twist the collar easily by hand, although no audible click is heard so you have to lift on the knob while twisting to get the job done. Applied plumbers grease (which is safe on plastic parts) inside the shifter knob with a small screwdriver while pushing the shifter button to get good coverage as well as on the nylon column pin protruding from the shifter box. When reassembling and turning the collar there is an audible click when back in place. 10 minute fix. All is well again.

Is plumbers grease soap?

[Belleveu1]

Plumbers grease is also called faucet grease. You can get it at almost any hardware store such as Home Depot. It looks about like vasoline, but is meant to lubricate faucet stem/cartridges. It is friendly to rubber "O" rings and plastics. It usually does cost more than $3 or so for a small container.

[Belleveu1]

I meant to say that it usually does NOT cost more than about $3......

[fuelpincher]

I used a high viscosity silicone grease. Shifter works better than new. Though it will likely need to be relubed periodically, it will last much longer than a thin spray lube.