Help please. Console removal (First time).

[HFR_Racer]

Fellow Pelicans..

I'm in the process of removing my console. I am asking for your advice on the following items:

1) How to remove the shifter knob (while in the vehicle) without damaging it?

After reading the search threads I infer that the knob is pressed on the shifter lever and uses a crush sleeve. I haven't tried any methods of removal yet because I figured that someone here would have an excellent idea on how to do this.

One idea that I had was to use a slide hammer with a gear puller attached.

2) How do you disconnect the wiring from the console switches?

Do you simply pull to separate? Maybe you have to twist the connector? Please give me detail on disconnecting the hazard switch, and the A/C controls.

Yes, I am working on my P-car at 3:30 am... I'm addicted already...


Thank you,

[HFR_Racer]

I just tried the following with no luck:

Placed a 15mm open end wrench around the shifter level (at the base of the shift knob). Then I hit the wrench with a hammer in an attempt to force the knob off of the shifter lever. The knob didn't move at all.


I figured out how to remove the A/C controls:
1) Pull on the knob to remove.
2) Remove nut located underneath the control knob.
3) Push the switch back through the face plate.
Done..

I still need advice on how to remove the wiring connector from the back of the hazard and defrost switches located in the console.. I've tried pulling straight off of the back of the switch but this isn't working.

[wilke3169]

Those wires should pull off. Not sure what sort of connector wouldnt allow you to do this.
As far as the shift knob, one thing you have to do is position your face directly over the knob. When it finally comes off your face will keep the knob from flying into the back seat.
Seriously, it takes tons of effort to pull that knob and to get it off without some damage is very difficult. The wrench with a big hammer is the normal method and any time you put a big hammer in contact with 20 year old plastic things happen.

[DonMo]

My 84 Carrera required a BFH (big f hammer) and a wrench to mechanically encourage it to come off. I would use a shop rag or something to protect the knob. I put enough force on mine to leave an indent on the bottom. Luckily you can't see it unless you really try. It is a wedge fit.

[porschenut]

After hammering mine for 5 minutes without budging I gave up. I grabbed the knob with my hands and pulled really hard and the knob broke apart.

[dfink]

Why do you need to remove the knob. I just removed my shifter and replaced the bushings with the knob and boot still on the shifter. I just pulled the boot up over the knob and left it on. If you want to replace the knob cut it off.
As for the wires. You will just have to study that one a bit. I have porsche to be very inventive when come to clips that hold on the wiring. On my A/C controls I took the knobs off the front and the round nut loose and the switches went out the back of the console still attached to the wires. Remember the temp control is not a wire it is an aluminum tube filled with gas. You must be carefull not to bend or break the tube. My car does not have the hazard light in that position. On the temp switch the two actual wires were just very tight spade connectors.

[Gunter]

HFR:
Why do you want to remove the knob?
Shift bushings can be replaced with the knob on the shifter.
I replaced mine with a different type and to get it off, I sprayed some penetrating oil (Or WD-40) with the small red nozzle up the crush sleeve.
Then I used a sturdy adjustable (Crescent wrench) under the knob and hit it with a 4-pound hammer from underneath.
They can be tough to come off, so, watch your face/eyes/teeth when you do this. Lube will definately help.
The console is held by fasteners that are hiding. Once you lift the console up, you may be able to see how the wires connect.

[Kmatts]

not sure what knob you have, likely it was press-fit on.
if it doesn't come off with some gentile tugging.....you'll likely have to cut it off. that is EXACTLY the way the knob on my SC was.
like you, i was trying to remove the center console....but using some patience........you really do NOT need to take the knob off.
I completely removed my center console to restore and re-dye the color to black from cork.
keep trying.
oh....and don't pound too much on the knob as you could damage the gear box.
K.

[Seeeu911]

On my 87 the knob has a shift pattern cover and under that there is 8mm bolt.

[HFR_Racer]

Thanks for the input fellow Pelicans... I am always in awe of the variaety of comments that I get here..

First of all, I am planning to add the Seine shift gate to my shifter and I figured that it would be easier if I wasn't dragging the shifter and console all over my work bench while doing this installation. This is the main reason for wanting to seperate the shifter from the console. I will instead try to lift the console enough that I can remove the shifter lever from the shifter housing. Once I've got the shifter lever out then I will make a plan on knob removal. I'm not sure that I can get the darn thing back together trying to fight the console the whole time.

I am interested if my knob is held on by only the crush sleeve or if it has an 8mm bolt ounderneath the shift pattern cover. I'll check for the bolt under the pattern cover tonight.

Still no detail on removing the connectors from the hazard and defrost switches. I truly would like more input on this item.

[HFR_Racer]

Final update on this thread...

I GOT THE CONSOLE OUT FINALLY...

1) The defrost and hazard switch connectors pull straight off the back of the switches with a little prying from a small screw driver.

2) I thought that the leather shifter boot was directly attached to the console and not just tucked underneath. Therefore, I thought I needed to remove the shifter knob to remove the console. This was an error on my part but also was never "directly" pointed out, only inferred to, in previous responses.

3) Another interesting note that was mentioned in previous responses.. There is a tube connected to the AC temp control switch along with two large gauge wires. I agree that anyone taking the console apart needs to be careful not to damage the tubing coming from this switch. I've succeeded thus far.

4) My shifter knob is attached with a crush sleeve and I agree that removal is not needed prior to console removal.

Thanks fellow Pelican's...

[Kmatts]

congrats on a happy ending.
K.

[JohnJL]

Sorry, one more question...other than the 2 phillips-head screws on each side of the tunnel towards the front, what else is holding it down? It seems like there is another bolt or screw rearward of the shifter, but the carpet is tucked over it and while I am removing everything, I don't want to damage it.

Thanks

[wilke3169]

There is a screw at the rear of the shifter tower. I have always had to use a razor knife to gain access. maybe someone has a better solution.

[Icemaster]

Nope, noway around pulling carpet for that one.

There's a third screw at the back end between the seats that you need to lift/cut/pull up a small piece of carpet to get to.

[Kmatts]

ok....here is a picture. you can see how close this screw is to the rear of the console. you should be able to feel it with your fingers & per advice already here, just use an exacto and barely cut the carpet.
hope this helps.
Kyle.

[Kmatts]

here you go....

[JohnJL]

Thanks!

[JohnJL]

UPDATE:
It is not necessary to cut the carpet if you lift up the carpet at the rear of the car and fold it forward. You can then reach teh sincle phillips head scred keeping the console down and snug over the carpet. Once that screw is out, the console and carpet all come up without damage or hassle.