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Notices

Parts/Tools Required

Supplies needed:
13mm socket
10 mm socket
Extension and socket wrench or driver
Flathead screwdriver
Rotary tool with cutoff wheel and sanding wheel

Steps

Step 1. Remove the black liner inside the center console, along with the coin holder in front of the shifter.

Step 2. Use the flathead screwdriver to pop out the top center console trim, starting at the rear. You'll have to shift out of park to pull it all the way out.

Step 3. Shift down to 1st and use the flathead to remove the retainer at the base of the shift knob. Pull the knob straight off, removing the shift boot and base with it. There is a bulb in the base that needs to be disconnected. Separate the knob from the boot. It just pulls free.

Step 4. Using the 10mm socket, remove the four bolts holding down the center console. Two are inside the compartment and two are right behind the shifter.

Step 5. Disconnect the wiring harness clamped to the inside of the center console right below the ashtray and pull the center console out.

Step 6. Remove the wiring harness from the shifter base. There are two clips, one on each side, and a connector at the base of the shaft.

Step 7. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the U shaped retainer where the shift cable enters the shifter assembly at the front. Then use it to pry the end of the shift cable free of the shifter.

Step 8. Using the 13mm socket, remove the four nuts holding the assembly down. The assembly should be able to be removed now.

Step 9. Decide how much you want to shorten the shifter. If you're not sure, error on the side of caution. You don't want to cut off too much. I cut mine down 1.5"

Step 10. Measure the dimensions indicated in blue on the diagram below. For mine, I made a mark for each measurement 1.5" below the top of the shaft, shown in red on the diagram. Essentially you will just be measuring 1.5" down from the bottom of each notch, slot, and the top of the shaft and plunger

Step 11. Using the rotary tool with cutoff wheel, cut around the diameter of the shaft to create the new top of the shaft.

Step 12. Cut the plunger shaft so it extends ¾" over the top of the shaft while in Park. Cut along the lines you marked out for the knob alignment slots. Make sure they line up with the orientation of the original slots.

Step 13. If the new top of the plunger is wider than the original, use the rotary tool with sanding wheel to sand it down to size, otherwise the shifter will be pressing the plunger without pressing the button.

Step 14. Cut the notches for the retainer to slide into and test fit the shift knob, making sure it slides all the way into place and can shift through all the gears. Make any adjustments as necessary. I cut my plunger too short, so simply cut a piece from the excess and used heat shrink to attach it to the plunger.

Step 15. Install back into the car by reversing the order of the steps in part one, making sure the shifter functions properly once installed.

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