How to Remove the Automatic Shift Knob on a 2003 Cavalier

Chevrolet was slowly losing sales to import car companies and every attempt to fend them off was unsuccessful, until the Cavalier came about in 1982. This front-driven, four-cylinder machine gave Chevy buyers a legitimate alternative to imports. The 2003 Cavalier came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but also had an optional four-speed automatic available. Removing the automatic shifter knob is a straightforward process, but its easy to overlook the clip that holds it on the shifter.

Instructions

Shifter Removal

1

Set the parking brake and turn the Cavaliers ignition switch to the Run position. Shift the gear shifter into the 1 position.

2

Look on the front of the gear shifter near the bottom of the knob, and find the metal U-shaped clip.

3

Pry this clip off with a flat-head screwdriver and pull the shifter upward to remove it.

Shifter Installation

4

Line up the hole in the bottom of the gear shifter with the gear shifter shaft. Slide the gear shifter downward onto the gear shifter shaft.

5

Position the open end of the U-shaped clip toward the slot in the base of the front part of the gear shifter. Press the clip into the slot until it clicks into place.

6

Shift the gear shifter into the Park position, turn the ignition to the Off position and remove the ignition key.