How to Replace the Gear Knob of a Buick Excelle Manual Transmission?
3 Answers
First, remove the rear part of the central console handbrake by rotating it counterclockwise. Next, pry off the gear lever's decorative panel and then remove the dust cover of the gear lever. Remove the four self-tapping screws from the front part of the central console handbrake, then tighten the new gear knob by rotating it clockwise and adjust it to the correct position. If the decorative panel cannot be removed, try pulling the gear lever to its lowest position and remove the clip to take it out.
Replacing the shift knob is actually quite simple. I just helped a friend with his Excelle last week. All you need is a Phillips screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers. First, adjust the seat backward to make space, then pinch the edge of the dust cover and lift it up—the entire rubber sleeve can be flipped over. At this point, you'll see a small clip under the shift knob. Gently grip the protrusions on both sides of the clip with the pliers and pull outward to remove the old knob. Align the new shift knob and press it down until you hear a click, then push the clip back into place and flip the dust cover down neatly. Finally, sit in the driver's seat and shift through the gears a few times to test the smoothness and check for any looseness. Doing it yourself saves over 200 yuan compared to going to a repair shop, and the best part is the awesome feeling of driving with a brand-new shift knob!
Replacing a manual shift knob is a basic task that you can easily handle yourself. Remember to turn off the engine and engage the handbrake before starting. There are usually plastic clips at the connection between the dust boot and the shift knob base—carefully pry them open with a flathead screwdriver. Note that the Excelle's shift knob has a threaded tightening structure; simply twist it counterclockwise to remove it. When installing the new shift knob, avoid using excessive force—align the threads and slowly tighten it clockwise. After installation, start the engine to test if the gear shifts smoothly. If shifting feels stiff, the dust boot might not be properly seated. Opt for metal or carbon fiber replacement knobs—they’re far more durable than the stock plastic ones. The whole process takes about half an hour, and it’s a good opportunity to clean out accumulated dust and debris inside the dust boot.
