Hey everyone I have a couple of questions about AP2 shifter maintenance. I have the stuff for the procedure and I have seen a DIY for this operation on these boards. But I'm looking for details from an enthusiast with first hand experience on this? Basically what to watch out for? What is to be expected from pulling the shifter out to regrease and replace bits and pieces? How to go about reinstalling without messing anything up? Does the shifter pop in to place? Or does it pop out of place (with that plastic ball at the bottom end)? Well any knowledge of this would be a great help thanks in advance.

 

Just did this recently... If you follow the DIY posted by Saki GT, you'll find everything happens pretty much exactly as pictured, and it really isn't too hard at all. I've done a decent amount of DIY work on vehicles, but it was my first time with this particular procedure. As long as you follow the instructions step by step, and don't drop anything down there, you should be fine. The DIY is really fantastic. If you're comfortable doing this yourself but have some questions, you're welcome to PM me during the process.

Also - One tip I would give off the bat (mentioned by another member in the thread) is using a dental tool/hook to pry up on the outside of the white plastic ring while you use a tiny flathead screwdriver on the inside to apply pressure and disengage the clips. The constant pressure from pulling on the hook causes the clip to pop up instantly when you get the clip to release. I didn't break any clips and had a lot less headache using this method.

 

Many thanks fellow enthusiast, I appreciate your input and I will definately take you up on your offer to PM you if I have need for further assistance.

 

Not sure if the Saki DIY mentioned this, wrap the parking brake lever with painter's tape to prevent scratching the finish when removing the console. When reinstalling the rubber cover for the 3 bolt flange that holds the shifter in place, apply silicone grease to the inside bottom of the cover. It'll make it much easier to put it back on the flange.

 

Thanks for the heads up really appreciate the words of wisdom and experience.

 

Also might want to drape the interior so you don't get grease on the leather or in the carpet.

 

A very special thanks to you for the DIY and the extra advice, I will be using silicone paste with a medium brush to minimize the mess.

 

I just did mine and it feels much smoother.

Here's a couple additional hints, once you get the white ring off, and lift up the rubber cap covering the three bolts, put the shifter into first gear and remove the bottom first, then the top right. Then put the shifter into reverse gear and remove the top left bolt. By putting shifter in reverse, it will stay captured into transmission to allow you to have an easier time taking the last bolt off. Once you've greased everything back up, insert the shifter back in to the trans, its keyed and only goes in one way. Put it into reverse to keep the shifter held down, and install all the bolts and everything else in reverse.

 

Massive improvements. I gather the heat fries the grease over time. I'm probably due for another service.

 

Using grease here with a solid compound - like Molycote - is a bad idea.
Those types of grease - the solid compound actually - tend to bind parts together over time, especially when the grease gets warm.