Automatic Shift Knob

An automatic shift knob is the knob atop the lever which allows you to change gears in your automatic-transmission vehicle. It may be covered with many different materials, such as leather or chrome, and will have either a top or side-mounted button which must be pressed and held down in order to shift. Since the shift knob is a prominent feature of your vehicle, and is handled every time you drive, it's important to have one that suits your taste. If you'd like to replace your automatic shift knob, the following steps will help you to install a new one.

Step 1: Preparation

For safety reasons, you should always set the emergency brake before modifying your vehicle in any way. The exact tools you will need depend on the particular shift knob you're removing and on the one you're replacing it with, but you should have Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, a pair of needle nose pliers and a pair of wire clippers handy.

Step 2a: Remove the Old Shift Knob - Possibility 1

If you can see a small hole on the back of your knob, use these instructions; if not, go to Step 2b. Turn your key to start your car - though not all the way, only to the pre-ignition stage. This will allow you to shift gears without the car running. Shift into first gear to access the small hole on the back of the knob, and use the appropriate tool to completely remove the screw found inside. Set it aside, and carefully pull the shift knob straight off of the shaft. A lot of force may be necessary to free the knob, but yanking it off can damage the wires connected to the overdrive button if your shift knob has one. If it does, use the wire clippers to carefully snip the wires to retain the greatest length possible at the shift lever end.

Step 2b: Remove the Old Shift Knob - Possibility 2

If there isn't a hole on the back of your old shift knob, you should see a trim piece at the base of the knob. When you pull it down, there should be a retaining clip beneath it, which can then be removed with needle nose pliers. Once this is removed, the shift knob can be manually removed and the overdrive wires cut as described in Step 2a.

Step 3: Overdrive

If your new shift knob has an overdrive feature, you will need to reattach the wires you cut in Step 2a or 2b; if not, skip to Step 4. Use your pliers to twist the old wires to the new ones of corresponding color. You may need to carefully peel back the wire's insulation about a quarter of an inch in order to achieve good wire-to-wire contact. Cover any exposed wire with electrical tape before moving on.

Step 4: Complete Installation

At this point, you can simply slip the new shift knob onto the shaft and attach it according to the instructions included with the kit. It will likely be a mirror of the process you just used to remove the old shift knob.

Consult a certified technician if your knob can't be removed or if you have trouble installing the new one. Once installation is finished, enjoy your new, custom automatic shift knob.