aod shift lever

[scale]

how do you get the shift handle off? I dont wanna get a total replacement quite yet, just a better handle for now. I am thinking of getting the b&m one that fits the stock threads when you take your old one off. Jegs sells them but i cant figure out how to get my old one off. Is there a trick to it?

[charliebrown]

I have NO idea how to remove the handle...there are no set screws anywhere on it. In looking at it with a mirror, it apprears to possibly be pressed on. I'm not about to go pulling on it and snap the cable....anyone else know how this thing comes off?


Thanks!

[gtnby2]

I lost my brakes one time and yanked on the down shift to try and slow down.......It Is Pressed On! I found out the hard way! Luckily I didn't hit anybody and I just smacked it back on with no adverse affects; watch the button assembly though when you raise it off the stick 'cause it will go flying. As for an after market...your on your own(Sorry).
Good Luck,
Brad

[charliebrown]

Here's the deal from my local Ford Service dept....The knob is "pressed" on and not designed to be removed...for all those folks who have had it come off when down shifting!...BUT...there is a replacement knob available from Ford by special order...and SURPRISE..it has been modified with a set screw addition for "positive handle retention"...

I don't know about you guys, but in my book, this sounds like it should have been a recall issue...the new "knob" for AOD shifters costs $19.95 + tax.

Now all I have to do is continue asking around to find out how to remove my old one.

mad:

[ByrdPE]

Originally posted by charliebrown
Here's the deal from my local Ford Service dept....The knob is "pressed" on and not designed to be removed...for all those folks who have had it come off when down shifting!...BUT...there is a replacement knob available from Ford by special order...and SURPRISE..it has been modified with a set screw addition for "positive handle retention"...

I don't know about you guys, but in my book, this sounds like it should have been a recall issue...the new "knob" for AOD shifters costs $19.95 + tax.

Now all I have to do is continue asking around to find out how to remove my old one.

mad:

Hmmm..I read somewhere that you have to put it in 1 or 2 or something like that and pull on it.
I think I remember reading this on the Corral.
Good Luck with it.

[charliebrown]

Can't begin to tell you how many different tips I've gotten regarding removal of this thing...what's really funny is that the dealer service departments can't give you a definite answer.

"downshifting really hard and it will come off in your hand" is as good as anything I've heard.

[charliebrown]

Here's the way it works! Put a small miror under the neck of the shifter knob and you'll see a notched ring up inside it. If you put the shifter in 1st or 2nd gear, with a small awl or dental pic (which is what I used) press on one of the "tabs" between the notches you see, press the release button on the knob and pull...the handle will come off. Amazing, but true! Press as close to the steel shifter neck as possible...in between the handle and this ring.

That's as specific as I can describe the method to get the thing off...the handle itself is solid plastic...no vinyl covering. Ford does sell replacements special order for around $18

Good luck!