Need HELP! Auto Shift Knob Removal

Breezer · 07-10-2012, 08:06 PM

Hey,
I'm in the process of removing my A/T shift knob, and have run into a snag. I've followed the DIY post, but am not sure which 'wire' I'm supposed to cut. Below are 2 pics. The top pic shows a wide flat black wire, which is the wire I think I"m suppose to cut. Is this the overdrive wire? It's obvious the old knob will not come off until I cut this wire. BUT when I tried to follow the wire, it seemed to be headed to a box with a big honking CAUTION sign on it. I don't want to screw up, so thanks in advance for help, Breezer

1camzc · 07-10-2012, 09:47 PM

The overdrive button wire should go to a blue plug around tht box

Breezer · 07-10-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1camzc

The overdrive button wire should go to a blue plug around tht box

Thanks Cam. So what is that black wire? The old shifter will not come off because of that black wire? I was afraid to cut it because I don't know what it is? I really don't use OD; do I need it or if I don't have it, will it screw up the tranny? Breezer

1camzc · 07-10-2012, 10:11 PM

I cut it and re routed it under console n re hooked it up just in case. To be safe i went n cut shifter open n cut wire tht way to makebsure was od wire

Breezer · 07-10-2012, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1camzc

I cut it and re routed it under console n re hooked it up just in case. To be safe i went n cut shifter open n cut wire tht way to makebsure was od wire

That's a great idea to cut open the old A/T shifter; I'm not going to use it for anything anyway. Where did you hook it back up since it went to a button in the old shifter? I'm not very handy at car elec. stuff, so I appreciate the help.

BigRuss · 07-10-2012, 10:25 PM

Breezer why dont you just hook it up under the E-brake? that way you dont have to run extra wires and its fairly easy to access

1camzc · 07-10-2012, 10:32 PM

Once u cut it open u should be able to remove the button n reconnect it man.

Breezer · 07-10-2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRuss

Breezer why dont you just hook it up under the E-brake? that way you dont have to run extra wires and its fairly easy to access

BigR, I'd be more than happy to do that if I knew what I was doing. I'm dumb as dirt when it comes to elec. stuff. I'm an artist, not an electrician LOL. So are you saying cut the black wire, and re-connect it to a button type switch under the e-brake? I've had OD on my other car and never used it, so I figured why to I need it, but don't want to screw up the tranny by not having it hooked up.

bbszero · 07-10-2012, 10:51 PM

Mine has been off for 4 years with out any issues.

BigRuss · 07-10-2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breezer

BigR, I'd be more than happy to do that if I knew what I was doing. I'm dumb as dirt when it comes to elec. stuff. I'm an artist, not an electrician LOL. So are you saying cut the black wire, and re-connect it to a button type switch under the e-brake? I've had OD on my other car and never used it, so I figured why to I need it, but don't want to screw up the tranny by not having it hooked up.

thats what im saying its not as hard as it sounds honestly....

PCH · 07-10-2012, 11:01 PM

I didn't have to cut anything to take it apart: http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43358

Breezer · 07-11-2012, 09:28 AM

Since I need a book called: Modding for Dummies, could someone ans. these 2 questions:

#1 Is the black wire (red arrow) the OD wire?
#2 If not, what is it?
The old shift knob will not come off unless I cut this wire .
Thanks, Breezer

SmokUm · 07-11-2012, 12:29 PM

Yep, that's the od wire. I cut mine, lengthened the wires and added a lighted momentary push button switch. I'll post a pic when I can get out to my car. No worries cutting those wires. If you don't add a switch just tape and tuck them in the center console.

SmokUm · 07-11-2012, 03:22 PM

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Really simple. I left off the plastic piece that holds the prindle and got a shifter boot from one of our vendors, Redline. Got a retaining clip and boot topper from a mt. The bezel is the same for at and mt. Wired the lighting in the switch with the red wires that light the prindle. Momo automatic knob with the push button on top.

Breezer · 07-11-2012, 07:32 PM

SUCCESS! I used a flat head screwdriver and removed the OD button and cut the wire leaving about 7 inches. I snaked the other wire out, and pulled it to the drivers side. Since I'm not too handy with electrical stuff, I wanted to save the original OD button, which I put in a plastic box, then covered with black duck tape. I cut a hole in the top to access the button, and another hole on the end for the wire. I plan to mount it between the drivers seat and the center console.

I removed about 1 1/2 of the white plastic tip. Installed a shift boot, then JB Weld my new beer tap 'Dawg' shifter. I need to paint the trim ring black and turn the boot where the red stitching shows. Thanks to all for the help. Breezer

Zman · 08-03-2012, 03:06 AM

Do you have to push the shifter down to get it to move?

How do I slapstick it?

Breezer · 08-03-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zman

Do you have to push the shifter down to get it to move?

How do I slapstick it?

Yeah, you have to push the shifter down to get it to move/change gears. I was not interested in making a slapstick because if I or anyone else were to accidentally hit the stick, it could knock it out of gear, and the next thing my woody would be rollin' down the street. But to answer your question, there's a wire on the top left that can be cut/removed to make it slapstick. I think there is a post on how to do that on the forum, but I'd give it some thought before doing that. Later, Breezer

Zman · 08-03-2012, 11:18 AM

The best DIY doesnt have pics anymore. The other ones aren't very straightforward.
I just want it slapstick.
Only two things Ive read is that theres something that can get the key stuck and the OD button, which I dont use. It looks like if I remove the metal pin at the base of the shifter that it would move without pushing the white part in.

Breezer · 08-03-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zman

The best DIY doesnt have pics anymore. The other ones aren't very straightforward.
I just want it slapstick.
Only two things Ive read is that theres something that can get the key stuck and the OD button, which I dont use. It looks like if I remove the metal pin at the base of the shifter that it would move without pushing the white part in.

Z, I found a pic from when I added my Salty Dawg shift knob. I "think" what you're looking for is in the top left corner of this pic. I'd suggest pressing the white nylon stick up/down continuously until you see the cable move on the top left. I'm not for sure, but it makes sense if you remove or cut that cable, then you'd have your slap stick. I'm not a mechanic, nor do I play one on TV

so I'd check with some of the other peeps on the forum.

Zman · 08-03-2012, 01:08 PM

There's a metal bar going horizontal that prevents the shifter from moving out of park when the brakes aren't on, and also keeps the key from being removed.
If I can remove this metal piece, it should move freely.

---------- Post added 08-03-2012 at 12:17 PM ----------

Where's PCH when you need him?

---------- Post added 08-03-2012 at 12:17 PM ----------

http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30594

---------- Post added 08-03-2012 at 12:20 PM ----------

I disconnected that piece. I just can't see how it would let me shift into drive without pushing the white piece down.

---------- Post added 08-03-2012 at 12:21 PM ----------

***that piece being the upper left rod.

---------- Post added 08-03-2012 at 10:27 PM ----------

Gah someone chime in please!