How to Remove the Shift Lever in the 2004 Ford Focus

The 2004 Ford Focus came equipped with the IB5, MT75 and MT285 manual transaxles or the 4F27-E automatic transaxle. In all of the transmission options, the shifting or gear selection of the transmission is accomplished by cables attached to the shifter and transmission. Removal of the shifter is required for a variety of repair and upgrade procedures. The process is similar in all of the transaxle designs. Removal of the shifter requires only basic hand tools and is well within the average home mechanic's skill level.

Instructions

1

Place the transmission in neutral and set the parking brake fully. Turn the ignition key off and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery using a 10 mm wrench.

2

Remove the small retaining screw located under the plastic plug on the side of the shifter handle, if the Focus is equipped with and automatic transmission, using a screwdriver. Gently pry the shifter trim from around the automatic transmission shifter and lift the trim and the shifter handle off the shifter.

3

Grasp the sides of the shifter trim panel and pull up to unsnap it from the center console if your Focus is equipped with a manual transmission. Unplug the wiring electrical connectors found under the trim panel and at the back of the opening in the console. Unclip the shifter boot from the trim panel and lay the panel aside.

4

Pull up on the parking brake lever trim panel to unsnap it from the center console. Slide the parking brake lever trim panel and parking brake boot over the lever. Lay the boot and trim panel aside.

5

Lift out the two cup holder inserts from the front of the console and the ashtray from the rear of the console. Remove the Phillips head screws under the cup holder inserts and ashtray, using a screw driver. Lift the console out of the passenger compartment.

6

Wedge a large screwdriver between the shifter cables and the shifter lever and pry the shifter cable off the ball stud on the lever. Unbolt the shifter from the floor of the Focus using a 10 mm socket and ratchet to remove the six retaining nuts. Lift the shifter out of the car.

7

Install the new shifter, or reinstall the old shifter after repairs, in the reverse order of removal. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine. Shift the transmission through all of its gears to verify it works properly.