Succinct

I'm sure this one has been addressed before, but I could not find it in the how-tos or via the search, so I apologize if it's duplicating a recent topic.

What is the "easy" way or "The" way to fix the stupid shift boot trim bezel on a 6-speed so that it doesn't pop loose from the console nearly every time I shift into reverse? This is most irritating and it happened to my wife today. It was the very first time she's driven the car since I bought it, so it made a strong 1st impression. That impression was: "it's a cheap piece of plastic coming loose in a cheap car."

I know gluing it isn't the right answer, b/c it needs to come loose when removing the radio, etc.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Succinct

I find it hard to believe I am the only one with this problem because I noticed this same problem with another 6-speed I test drove.

Anyone?

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

So its the bezel at the base of the boot that's coming loose?

Succinct

No, it's on there fine (actually, it snaps in place nicely). But shifting into reverse means pulling upward on the ring just below the shift **** and pulling the entire shifter toward the rear, which takes up all of the slack on the front/forward part of the leather boot, and that puts tension on the bezel. If one pulls the shifter back into reverse just a little too hard or quickly (basically if you aren't paranoid/careful) the shift boot tension becomes high enough to cause the trim ring/bezel to pop out of the console.

I can't believe I am the first to experience this with the 6-speed.

Sure it's easy to "fix" by just snapping it back into place, but it sure leaves an el-cheapo impression.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

is the shift boot in the correct place under the shifter ****? the only way i could see this happening is if its connected to high.
it goes below the ring in the groove

Succinct

Thanks for the pic! I'll check my car, but I am thinking maybe my boot is pulled up over the first ring ridge. I am seeing two ridges on yours and I think I only have one above my boot. Nothing like a good photo! That could be my problem!

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

So its the actual boot up top by the lock-out ring. I've never had issues with mine coming off. Hope you figure it out.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

no..its connected to high on the ring so the whole boot is tight. when he goes in to reverse it pulls the bottom part up

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

I know, I understood you both... thanks anyway Jason.

Succinct

Exactly. Anyway, I checked it out this PM and that was exactly the problem. And I had to stretch the shiitake mushrooms out of that leather at the top to get it to snap together underneath the lock-out ring, on the shoulder of that ring.

All seems OK now. Thanks to all who tried to help me! My guess is that it came apart at some point and whoever snapped it back together took the path of least resistance.

zero2sixtyZ

iTrader: (30)

I've had this happen to me before if I shift hard. The shifter trim piece flys everywhere. I'll double check the boot under the ring thing. If I mess it up, I need Redline boots anyways. So you're not the only one.

ManUtd18

iTrader: (2)

yeah the same thing happens to me when i got into reverse and i have to pop it back in almost everytime.

Succinct

So your solution is above. Did you see it? Do you know how to fix it now?