DIY gear shift removal and lube (short video)

[rwjrn]

I used a strap wrench to get the knob off easily without marring or any damage. You can pick these up just about anywhere for very cheap.

[jwight]

Did anyone come up with an answer for Quagmire's question: how do we remove the one-piece shifter?

[Dave777]

For what it's worth, when I look at my shifter it appears to be the one-piece style, without a separate collar. And yet, I can turn it that 1/8th turn CCW.

[smart y pants]

[B]Quagmire
I'm not sure your shifter is any different than the rest, if it is on a 451. I own a
Cabrio off the first boat 01/08 and the collar and curved collar base are all one piece as in the photos. The first time I tried to use pliers as shown in the photos it did not work, but turning it counter-clockwise with a clean, bare hand while lightly pulling up on the shifter knob it worked like a charm.
Hope this helps

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by rwjrn

I used a strap wrench to get the knob off easily without marring or any damage. You can pick these up just about anywhere for very cheap.

Hey guys I thought you forgot about me... I used one of these straps and it worked like a charm. Fortunately, I didn't have any problems with my shifter, but after spraying it with silicone spray it is much smoother. I think it is a wise move for everyone to do this process for piece of mind and so that hopefully you won't get stranded. ;)

[wlmory]

GREAT post, with pics to boot! Thanx, this place rocks w/ help and ideas!

[rawlus®]

i liked the idea posted earler of tidying up the plastic piece with an emery board to remove any roughness from the molding process.

[John Hosken]

My Passion convertible w/4K miles is from the first boatload also. I checked with my service technician at Herb Chambers in Somerville, MA. He knew all about the problem. He uses spray lube.
I sprayed a shot of white lithium grease (which I usually use on door and trunk hinges and latches) up into the knob and rubbed a little on the nylon "T". Now my shifter works fine again.

[mvukovich]

Originally Posted by John Hosken

My Passion convertible w/4K miles is from the first boatload also. I checked with my service technician at Herb Chambers in Somerville, MA. He knew all about the problem. He uses spray lube.
I sprayed a shot of white lithium grease (which I usually use on door and trunk hinges and latches) up into the knob and rubbed a little on the nylon "T". Now my shifter works fine again.

I wonder how often you should lube the shifter, once a year, once a month?

[Quagmire]

I would suggest that as soon as you feel the shift button not moving silky smooth... hit it with the lube.