Changing the Gear Lever

Remove the gear lever as follows:

1. Lift the rubber (leather) boot and remove the screw securing the bezel. Remove the bezel.

2. Remove the two front screws securing the center console.

3. Remove the brush-seal plate for the handbrake lever.

4. Release the switch panel and unplug the connectors.

5. Slide both front seats forward and remove the rear bolts securing the center console. Remove the ashtray and electrical leads.

6. Lift out the center console.

7. Remove the side trim from the right side of the center console.

8. Remove the retaining screws and slide back the rear air duct.

9. Remove the retaining screws and front air duct from the heater box. Slide the air duct forward toward the bulkhead.

10. Remove the four bolts securing the gear lever assembly.





11. Release the plastic cover (slide protection) and remove the gear lever/selector rod bolt, Figure 1.





12. Using a screwdriver, release the catches on the ball socket, remove the gear lever. Lift out the complete gear lever assembly, Figure 2.


NOTE

If there is excessive play in the gear lever joint, replace the plastic bushings as described In step 13. If not, continue with step 14.





13. (Bushing Replacement Only) Using a drift, tap out the spacer sleeve. Remove the existing plastic brushes and replace with new ones. Refit the spacer sleeve, Figure 3.

NOTE

If the ball socket is damaged, replace it as described in step 14.





14. (Ball Socket Replacement Only) Remove the retaining spring securing the inner locking ring. Undo the locking ring by turning it counterclockwise and lifting out, Figure 4.

NOTE

Upon installation of the inner locking ring, note the position of the spring under the stops. Lubricate with light assembly grease.

Replace the gear lever in reverse order and check the operation of the gear lever and gear positions.