I have read some posts related to the removal of the gear shifter, however I can't seem to get the shifter out after I remove the 3 bolts under the boot.

My shifter has been stuck in the down position for a while, and I finally have the parts to fix it. Does anyone know how I can pry the old shifter out of it's place? It just won't budge and I can't figure out why it won't come out.

Please, if anyone has some tips please let me know.

Thanks all!

 

It should just pop out, there's nothing left holding it in there after you remove the three bolts. Screw the knob back on and give 'er hell.

What are the circumstances behind this failure may I ask?

 

umop-apisdn Posted on Aug 21 2006, 11:49 PM

Make sure the transmission is in neutral.
It should pop out.

gti2000 Posted on Aug 21 2006, 10:46 PM
Would those parts be the plastic bushings?
If the bottom one is broken the shifter may be "locked" under the shift arm.
Wiggle it out.
IMO gently.

 

I know this is very old, but...... I just removed the very rusted three bolts yet cannot get my shifter out. Not with the shift knob on and giving it he'll or lightly wiggling it.

gti2000 or anyone else have ideas? The ass-hat previous owner left the top down in the rain many times

 

maybe some WD40? after it comes out, clean it up and add hi temp urea grease.

 

I might give that a shot. I have the urea grease from Honda already. Shifting isn't very smooth so I wanted to do the s2ki.com DIY to re-grease it. Sure need to be able to remove it first

I was thinking I might drill a hole in the middle of a a 4' section of 2x4 so top of the shifter fits through, slide it down, put a large washer on it, then screw on a bolt that fits the thread. Have my wife get on one side, me on the other, lift up and hope I don't break something.

 

dont mean to thread-jack, but sometime when i'd like to gently pull my shifter out of 3rd or second to neutral, it sticks. Think this has to do with lack of grease possibly?

 

Rusty bolts should not be a major issue, the housing is alloy and wouldn't rust. Were you able to get the metal plate that is held down by the three bolts loose? If you did and the shifter is in neutral, nothing else should be holding the shifter in place, normally the centering spring is strong enough to push the shifter out.

In my 2004 the OEM grease was drying out somewhat at 35,000 miles so maybe the plastic collar is seized. If you do try to lever it out with a 2x4 lumber be careful you don't scratch up the interior. Re-grease with Honda Urea grease which is far better than what came from the factory.

 

Yes, the plate is free too. It too is rusty, but free. Yes, in neutral, can still shift with it still.

I'm guessing you are right that the plastic collar inside is somehow seized.

I have all of the interior out right now, perfect time to do it if I can get it out of there. I have Honda urea grease to put in if I can get in.

Thanks for the response.