Need to replace entire shift assembly for shift knob?

[Fail]

I went in to the dealership where I bought my Sonic to get my first oil change. In the process I pointed out a few things that came up that would fall under warranty repair while being checked in by the service adviser. One of them was that a little bit of the chrome colored paint on the shift knob was peeling off.

He ended up telling me that the entire shift assembly would need to be replaced and that I would need to leave my car with them all day. Due to other reasons about the service department's condition (and the fact that he said my car didn't require Dexos 1 oil), things seemed a little shady since normally this would just require that the shift knob be replaced (past experience with other cars). I elected to hold off as a result of this, because I don't want a mechanic, dealer tech or not, to tear into my interior or otherwise anymore than they need to over something that is seemingly so simple.

Does anyone know if the shift knob can be removed independent of the entire shift assembly? Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[$ub$onic]

The shifted knob is just pressed on I think

 

[rdss]

It sounds like it's time to swap out for an aftermarket knob, or hand in there for DDM to release their short shifter (if you're running the 1.4 6 spd manual).

The shifted knob is just pressed on I think

GM may require it to be a full replacement since I'm sure they are not into ripping something that's "permanently" affixed and just stabbing a new one on.

 

[Fail]

I've got the 1.4 6 speed, but I'm trying to use the fact that this is all free under warranty. I don't plan to mod my car till the aftermarket grows more as well as my warranty expiring. Right now it serves as my reliable car for my wife and daughter.

 

[rdss]

Like $ub$onic said, it pops off. See if the parts department can get you a knob by itself or check out GM Parts Direct: Your direct source for Genuine GM Parts to try and track it down. Or find a more desirable dealer, then drop it off and hope for the best.

 

[Fail]

I already made an appointment for Tuesday to have another dealer do the service. At least they knew what the Dexos 1 oil is. I just figured I'd ask here anyways to see what anyone else might know about it.

 

[laborsmith]

There is a thread about removing the oem shifter knob to go with an aftermarket if you care to look for it. It is over a year old and I can not recall what section it is in. I do recall it took a lot of effort and twisting to remove.

Laborsmith

 

[RS Turbo]

Eric almost lost his Man card over it... Wife laughing at him for like 4 hours , 2 packs of smokes and couple of sodas...

 

[Eric Smit]

it was painfully annoying.

 

[Fail]

Well that's good to know. If it's that much work then I could see the dealership needing to just replace the whole assembly rather than spend on labor. At least I'll know it isn't total BS if the other dealership I'll be going to says the same thing. I will still avoid the aforementioned dealership for other reasons such as the claim that the car doesn't require a Dexos 1 rated oil, and the overall service department looking more run down and less professional than many independent shops out in town.

I'll update this post when I get the service to confirm if the entire assembly does end up needing replaced. Thanks for the help so far.

 

[Dr.Eggman]

I have had my Knob changed as well for the same reason. The knob is not available with out the entire shifter assembly. At that point the dealership is better off replacing the whole assembly. No liability of modifying the vehicle.

 

[ChevySonic]

use a rubber torque wrench. Takes the knob right off. But, if youre going to put the oem one back on, use a rubber mallet to make it stay on, otherwise it will spin on you as you shift.

 

[mitdr774]

I have had my Knob changed as well for the same reason. The knob is not available with out the entire shifter assembly. At that point the dealership is better off replacing the whole assembly. No liability of modifying the vehicle.

The knob is essentially a friction fit on the shift arm. It is not intended to be removed. I just had mine replaced yesterday for the rubber seperating.

 

[d.p]

i feel like i shouldnt take my car in for the knob, the dealrrship ****s a brick everytime they see my car.

 

[mitdr774]

They cringe when mine is in the service isle. Its only been in there a couple times, but enclosed spaces and loud exhaust are not a good combination.

 

[FloSonic]

I'll be taking mine in for the rubber seperating and the chrome trim falling off. Did they give you grief about the warranty?

 

[mitdr774]

They didnt give me any trouble about replacing it. they just didnt want to do it as a customer wait. It isnt like i left them that much work to do, the center console was already out for them.

 

[barch88]

Do those with the RS/LTZ have fitted knobs too, or are yours screw-on? I know my LT is fitted. Kinda lame, all my other cars have been screw-on.

 

[firstorbit84]

i asked the dealer about getting an RS or LTZ leather knob and they said it has to be the entire assembly. i think the price was about $150-$200 iirc

 

[ReeseLightning]

Any way to take the knob off and tap & die your own thread onto the shift shaft to affix an aftermarket one? I'd really like a weighted knob it'd be more suited along with the short shifter system.