How to Change a Gear Shift Knob on a 2003 Alero

The gear shifter knob on a 2003 Oldsmobile Alero is secured to the gear shift lever by a staple-shaped pin instead of a threaded connection. Reasons for replacing the gear shifter knob can include a broken knob, cracked knob or a broken stapler pin. The entire gear shifter knob replacement process will take about 10 minutes to complete and only requires a flat-head screwdriver. Always install a new stapler pin when changing the gear shifter knob.

Instructions

1

Park the 2003 Oldsmobile Alero on a level surface and turn off the engine. Position the gear shift lever into first gear.

2

Locate the staple-shaped pin on the dashboard side of the gear shifter knob. Slide the tip of a flat-head screwdriver between the two prongs of the pin.

3

Use the screwdriver to pry the pin out of the back of the knob and pull the knob off of the top of the gear shift lever.

4

Slide the new gear shift knob over the top of the gear shift lever. Position the knob so the pin grooves on the back of the knob line up with the grooves in the gear shift lever.

5

Insert the new staple-shaped pin through the grooves on the knob and into the gear shifter lever until the pin locks in place. Use the handle part of the screwdriver to gently tap the pin into the grooves if necessary. Move the shift lever through the gears to make sure the knob is properly secured to the lever.