Removing trim from gear shift knob....

[PKN]

The silver plastic trim piece on my 2006 TT is scratched up and I want to spray it but can't find out how to remove it. I tried to unscrew the knob first but it is stuck fast and the trim piece itself looks like it should just pop out but I am afraid of breaking it. Anyone here know how to get this off? If not I guess I will just get the paper and masking tape out....

[rogersvern]

I need to respray the center of my shift knob as well. I spoke with Sonnen in Mill Valley, and they said that the knob lock is released by pulling up the button that you squeeze to move the shift lever. Aparently this releases the clip that holds it. Once released/unlocked, you pull the knob straight up. Should be in park to do this.

[PKN]

Thanks for that. Can you explain in what direction you pull the shift release button?

PKN

[rogersvern]

Thanks for that. Can you explain in what direction you pull the shift release button?

PKN

[rogersvern]

I have not yet had a chance to try it for myself, but would assume pulling from the bottom up.

[mazingerv1]

I tried to pull it out based on the instructions, wasn't successful

I was afraid I would break it if I pull too hard

eventually, I asked the service centre to replace it for me.

[Loren]

Removing selector knob

1. Selector lever is in position D.

Note! -- The button (inset) at the front must not be pressed down when the selector knob is pulled.

2. Pull selector knob up and off.

Installing selector knob

Note! -- The button must not be pressed down when the selector knob is installed.

1. Selector lever is in position D.

Caution!

Spring in selector knob is overstretched!

- Only move the selector knob as far forward until the tool can be inserted.

- Avoid any further overstretching.

2. The unlocking hook in the selector knob must retract to the button grey object . Lock the hook under the button, using short screwdriver A for example.

3. Push on the selector knob until it audibly engages in the selector support. The sleeve is then inserted in the selector lever cover.

4. Remove the tool on the handle.

5. Functional test of gear selecting system:

- Will the vehicle start?

- Do all the selector lever positions work?

[rogersvern]

I tried to pull it out based on the instructions, wasn't successful

I was afraid I would break it if I pull too hard

eventually, I asked the service centre to replace it for me.

[rogersvern]

I actually did pull the knob last weekend, without use of any tools. I moved it to the park position, pulled the shift release buttom from the bottom, and twisted the knob slightly while pulling it up. The knob came off without a problem. You do have to pull upward on the knob fairly hard.

[roxboxxx]

GUYS - NEUTRAL - NEUTRAL !!!!! Best not to pull it off in park. I have remove mine 3 times and have been told by 2 shops + suncoast to always remove the shifter while in neutral.

Also, the force needed to remove it is quite a bit.

[canyon]

I managed to remove mine without too much force, but I think I may have overstretched the spring now the button won't press. Will I be able to shift or not? How can you take this thing apart? Anyone try it yet?

[canyon]

All fixed , just needed a little patience, shift working all well.

[canyon]

Well most of you were probably trying to refurb the insert of the gearshifter , well I was basically trying to do the same thing, but couldn't work out how to change it out. Well after a while of using a screwdriver and other Sharp implements, the aluminum is just like a very thin plate. I used some heat from a hairdryer and let it cool down, after a few mins went back to pry it from the bottom and it pinged right off! Anyway I cleaned it with solvent and stuck some 3M silver carbon fiber vinyl and it looks much better, hiding all the small dents and scratches in one swoop. Restuck it with 2 tiny dabs of shoe goop . I will post pics later. I also did the gear surround outer and the screen surround in the same vinyl. I wish I could find the same silver paint as used in the new cars, that's looks great, and wears much better.

[MalCay]

Followed the instructions too about pulling the knob and with a little strength I got it off. Not successful on getting it back on though. I push it on, it makes a clicking noise as if it was engaging but it seems not to as I can not change gears. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[wvicary]

Follow the instructions posted above for installation.

[MalCay]

as I mentioned, I had followed the instruction but it does not engage.is there a way to check if i broke the knob while taking it off?

[Allcayenne]

Canyon, you mentioned that you were

Well most of you were probably trying to refurb the insert of the gearshifter , well I was basically trying to do the same thing, but couldn't work out how to change it out. Well after a while of using a screwdriver and other Sharp implements, the aluminum is just like a very thin plate. I used some heat from a hairdryer and let it cool down, after a few mins went back to pry it from the bottom and it pinged right off! Anyway I cleaned it with solvent and stuck some 3M silver carbon fiber vinyl and it looks much better, hiding all the small dents and scratches in one swoop. Restuck it with 2 tiny dabs of shoe goop . I will post pics later. I also did the gear surround outer and the screen surround in the same vinyl. I wish I could find the same silver paint as used in the new cars, that's looks great, and wears much better.

Is the metal piece simply glued on the shift knob? You mentioned that you used heat from the hair dryer to undo the glue and ply the silver metal piece out. Was it easy to do so? Was the piece just glued on without any clips behind it? Mine has a big dent and some scratch marks on it. I just want to take it out and refinish it without removing the gear knob, as it seems like a tricky process. Your information is very helpful and convinced me to try it that way.

[colinmartin]

try pulling the insert out a bit at the bottom and it should drop down a little further ,it works for me i replaced mine with a carbon fiber one ...

[Andrei Marton]

Did anyone tried to fit the 958 selector knob, on a 957 ??

[mbagge01]

I have replaced my shifter with a carbon fiber one, but the issue I am having is that every once in a while, when I press the button on the front of the shifter to engage a gear, it will pop in and the shifter will get stuck and won't move. I then have to pull it off and try to slide it back on to get it to work again. Could something be wrong internally with the shifter why the button keeps getting stuck?

[ThunderBird2]

Just want to add to this topic to help those who are struggling to put the gear shifter back on. 

The secret to making sure the button will work it to shake the gear shifter. Hear that rattle? We've got to stop that. Here's how:

 

1) Hold the shifter horizontal so the button is facing the floor.

 

2) Insert a small watchmaker's screwdriver up between the edge of the button and the leather of the shifter on the same horizontal plane as the shifter

 

3) With the screwdriver in place, give the shifter a shake. If you don't hear a rattle it means you have correctly trapped the mechanism within the shifter in the right place. 

 

4) With the screwdriver still in place push the shifter back into position in the car. making sure the car is in 'D'

 

5) There should be a satisfying click when the shifter is in place. When you hear this, remove the screwdriver and you will have a working button.

 

Hope this helps

[lionworks auto]

The metal plate comes off by sliding UP not out with it...its grooved