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Removing OEM shift knob: How to

175K views 151 replies 55 participants last post by  Focused4Rally 
#1 ·
Tonight I decided to go ahead and take apart the shift knob/boot/trim on my Focus, to figure out the procedure. Searching forums showed lots of questions but no definite answers for taking everything apart, nor were there any for the thread pitch of the shift knob.

So, here's how it went:

First, remove the trim piece around the base of the shift boot. There are clips all around it, but the ones that really hold it down are located in three of the four corners (The corner missing one is the rearward passenger side, next to R). By gripping the trim piece through the boot, some firm tugs and pulls should see them pop out, one by one. I shifted through a few gears to reposition the shifter, giving the boot extra slack when needed so that I didn't stretch it. For undoing the knob, grip the top of the boot to prevent it from spinning and start unscrewing. It can take a fair bit of effort to get the knob to start turning.

When the whole assembly is out of the way, this is what's left:



This is everthing that came out, taken apart.



The boot clips to the underside of the trim. It's very easy to remove and clip back in - the boot itself is pretty much permanently mounted to the plastic base that allows it to clip in though. An aftermarket boot would probably have to be attached to this base (With the original boot cut out) if you're looking for a quality, OEM-looking install.



The shift knob is held to the boot via a clip that sandwiches the top of the boot between itself and the base of the knob.



Said clip sits here on the boot (Looking from the inside)..



..and the knob then pops in here.



After figuring out the removal and installation procedure, next was to measure the thread pitch. I'm brand new to Focuses, so I didn't know if it's be the same as previous generations or not. I measured it as 12 x 1.25.

So anyway, that's what I discovered in my trial tonight. Now that I know how, and the thread pitch, I can go pick a nice new shift knob for the Fofo. Hope this helps! [thumb]
 
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#104 · (Edited)
I got the steeda blue anodized shift knob, I can't wait to put it on. I'm thinking about getting the top engraved with the shifter positions. Make it a little more unique. That boot is no easy thing to remove though.

Edit: Finally got it all done a couple weeks ago but I discovered that getting the boot bezel up was a lot easier when goin from the center left side instead of the bottom right(passenger side.) Anyway, once I got that figured out it was a breeze. I new to get my hands on the Steeda STS next!
 
#116 ·
hey guys need help plz
I can't wiggle out the A/C panel . I unscrewed the 3 screws and pulled back the side trim (driver side) and I can't see what's holding in the panel but can't get it out! I'm assuming once I get that out I can get the boot out? I have the automatic it man this is really difficult.
That side trim that peels back to expose the A/C panel 3rd screw is tricky because I pulled it out except for where it meets the shift panel and am unsure of which direction to pull to get the whole thing out
 
#118 ·
i'm not sure which 2 screws you're meaning, but I got 5 screws out in all . I thought it was just 5. 2 for the radio unit and 3 for the vent controls. no idea how to get out the shifter bezel but thought it would be easier once i get the a/c panel out....
 
#119 ·
I think 5 was all. The 2 I'm talking about are the ones that are covered by the black honeycomb style piece.
You will need an interior trim tool to remove the shifter bezel without damaging it.
If you can, take pictures of what you already have out and what the problem areas are and I will help guide you.

If this helps, this is what your dash would look like when you have everything removed.

 
#120 ·
crap I already put it back together and didn't take a pic [facepalm] . that picture looks different from mine . I first got the entire radio unit out including those vents after taking out the 2 screws behind the honeycomb piece. Then I took out the 3 screws holding in the a/c panel and all the trim is peeled back . I do see in this picture there are 2 white inserts under the bottom of the a/c panel (just above the shifter bezel) - I'm assuming that's what's holding it in. Do I just have to pull really hard or first get the shifter bezel out? I'd have to take it all back apart again to take a picture and i'm not sure it would help anyways. It was a PITA to put the side trim back together and I didn't do it perfectly
 
#126 ·
So if I retain the stock knob and just lower the position of the knob by using a cutting die to thread it lower will I need a drill stop to keep the boot up or will I be fine?
 
#128 ·
bezel not tightly attached to knob

Hello, I had the shift knob (leather wrapped) about a month ago changed at the dealership. But just today, I noticed the silver bezel was lose and not tightly attached to the knob. Also, the boot is not staying below the bezel and the clip that holds the boot and attaches to the bezel keeps falling off. Its quite annoying. Is there a way to fix this? Thank you.[dunno]
 
#131 ·
I hate to bump this old thread, but I picked up a 2012 Focus SEL last week and the shift boot won't stay up and just sags. Also, the silver trim at the bottom of the stock shifter rattles whenever I shift. I tried taking it apart to figure out the problem, but I can't seem to pull the plastic trim out. I've tried pulling at different spots multiple times but it just doesn't budge. All I hear is some creaking and that's it. I have already applied considerable force to it when pulling. Is there a clip or something I'm supposed to release when I'm pulling up? [???:)]
 
#132 ·
The shifter trim should just come right up. From the symptoms you're describing it sounds like the previous owner had an aftermarket knob and incorrectly reinstalled the oem one. Also sounds like someone screwed up the trim too. You should be able to get your hands on a new or like new/used fairly easily though if you can manage to get it off.
 
#133 ·
Thanks for the insight. :)
Do you have any advice on how to get it out? The only idea I have at the moment is to use either a flat head screwdriver or trim removal tool to pry it out. And what's the best place to look for a replacement new/used shifter trim/shift boot? So far I couldn't find anything on eBay, but I've had some hits from some salvage yards.
 
#134 ·
There's a couple salvage places that sell via eBay. I'll pm you a link to the one that I frequent.

As far as actually removing it goes. If you're having a lot of difficulty a trim tool would definitely help.
 
#135 ·
I got your PM, thanks! I got the shifter trim out after a lot of struggle with a trim removal tool. Unfortunately, part of it chipped. Does you know the part number for this in case I need to order it from Ford? This is what I found on the underside of the trim: BM51 A045B 79. However, nothing shows up when I search it online. [mecry]
 
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