Gear lever removal.

[jagonza]

Can someone tell me the best way to remove the gear lever. I mean the actual part that goes down into the tranny, not just the chrome extension on top.

I am hoping this can be done with the tranny in place. My manual doesn't say how to do it.

I assume you remove the shift boot and console cover and then........??

If anyof you knwo of a video or drawing please point me.

thanks

[aj81spider]

You have to do it from under the car. There is a small triangular plate that is held on with three screws. You take that off and you can access a nut that holds the shifter and all the associated hardware in place. The shifter then comes out the bottom. It is a royal PITA because the driveshaft and guibo are in the way.

After a few hours of lying on your back wiggling it all different ways you will get it out. Putting it back is almost as much fun.

If you Google "Fiat Shifter" and look at the image results you will find some pictures of the shifter and the associated hardware.

[jagonza]

thanks, now that i see the pictures, it doesnt seem possible to remove the shifter with the drivesahft connected. DO you need to drop the front of teh drive shaft first ??

[aj81spider]

Dropping the drive shaft will make it a lot easier. I managed to do it without dropping the driveshaft. It was a PITA however and took a lot of maneuvering.

[So Cal Mark]

use a swivel socket, no need to remove the driveshaft but it is easier with the shaft out of the way

[courtenay]

Look at it as an opportunity to replace the guibo as well.