How to Replace the Gear Shift Knob on a Regal?

[DeAvery]

The specific steps for replacing the gear shift knob on a Regal are as follows: 1. Pry out the dust boot bracket: Prepare a flat-head screwdriver, align it with the edge of the dust boot base, and pry the dust boot bracket. Note: Do not pry at the same spot repeatedly to avoid bending and getting the bracket stuck. 2. Remove the shift knob: Shift the gear lever to the 4th position, then grip the knob firmly with both hands and pull it outward steadily. Avoid wobbling during removal and apply even force in one direction. Caution: Excessive force may damage the vehicle. 3. Inspect the retaining clip: Immediately check the clip after removing the knob to ensure it remains on the shift lever and hasn't been damaged during removal. 4. Cut off the dust boot: Lift the dust boot upward (toward the knob), cut the zip tie with scissors, and detach the boot from the old knob. 5. Install the dust boot on the new knob: Prepare a new zip tie, loop it around the folded dust boot, and tighten it firmly. Hold the knob with one hand and pull the boot with the other, stretching in opposite directions to confirm secure attachment, then trim excess tie. 6. Install the shift knob: Align the knob's hole with the shift lever, then tap it downward until secured by the clip. After confirming proper installation, tuck the dust boot into its bracket and snap the bracket back into the base to complete the process.

[Casey]

Last year I helped my friend replace the shift knob on his Regal. The process is actually quite straightforward. First, turn the car key to the off position to ensure the vehicle is completely shut off, preventing any accidental gear shifts. Then, gently pry open the center console cover to expose the screw holes underneath. Most Regal shift knobs are secured with screws—just loosen the old screw with a Phillips screwdriver and you can pull off the old knob directly. The new knob was bought online; make sure it’s compatible with your car model, otherwise it won’t fit properly. When installing, first push the new knob firmly into place, then tighten the screw, and finally replace the cover. Start the car to test if the gear shifts smoothly. If the screw hole is too tight, applying some grease can make the process easier. The whole job takes about ten minutes—just take it step by step, and a simple Phillips screwdriver from your household toolkit is all you need.

[Mckenzie]

When replacing the gear shift knob, I found the easiest method is to refer to tutorial videos on YouTube. Specific steps: First, park the car on a level surface, turn off the engine, and engage the handbrake. Then, use your hand or a pair of pliers to grip the base of the old knob and twist it off—it usually has threads and screws off directly. The design is similar for both manual and automatic transmissions in the Regal. Be careful not to use excessive force to avoid scratching the interior plastic parts. Before purchasing a new knob, measure its diameter and buy one that matches the size for replacement. After screwing on the new part, check if it's secure and allows smooth gear shifting; otherwise, readjust. A small tip: while replacing the knob, take the opportunity to wipe away any dust inside to ensure smooth operation. The entire process is low-cost, around ten to twenty bucks, and if you're handy, it can be done in just five minutes.

[Hunger]

When replacing the gear shift knob, safety is the top priority. Ensure the vehicle is completely turned off, the key is removed, and the gear is set to P to prevent any movement. The replacement steps are straightforward: use your hands or a small tool to pry open the center console to locate the fixing points, loosen the screws, and remove the old knob. When installing the new knob, make sure it's aligned properly, tighten it securely, and test if the gear shifts smoothly. If you're unsure about the operation, it's best to seek help from a repair shop to avoid breaking clips or affecting the transmission. Regular inspection of this component can reduce gear shift delay issues.