DIY: Short shifter installation

[Daox]

This past weekend I met up with Spork and we test fit the short shifter I've been working on developing.





The install procedure is pretty straight forward, but I'll post all the steps for those who want a comprehensive write up. The tools you will need are:

- Flat bladed screw driver
- 10mm socket & ratchet
- 12mm socket, ratchet and ideally a fairly long extension (~12in)


Step 1 - Remove the push pins towards the front of the center console. To remove them, use a screw driver or something somewhat pointy and push the center in. With the center pushed in you can pull them out. There is one on each side.





Step 2 - Use your flat bladed screw driver to pop open the little cover on the back of the center console. You will see a 10mm bolt there to remove.





Step 3 - Pull up on the panel under the parking brake lever to expose another 10mm bolt to remove. The panel should pop out with relative ease. If you have plastic interior tools, I would recommend trying to pull it open from the front or sides as it'll be slightly less stressful on the rear clips.





Step 4 - Unscrew the shift knob to remove it.





Step 5 - You can now remove the center console. You will need to have the parking brake lever pulled up so you have enough clearance to remove it.





Step 6 - Remove the spring clips from the shifter cable ends. The one on the driver's side of the shifter assembly is easy, just pull to remove then slide it off. The one on the bottom of the shifter assembly is not difficult to remove, but harder to get access to. Take note of how it is oriented and works for easier reassembly.







Step 7 - With the shifter cable ends removed, pull up on the cable attachment points on the front end of the shifter assembly and they'll pop right out.





Step 8 - Remove the four 12mm bolts holding the shifter assembly to the chassis. A longer extension comes in handy here to clear the seats and the shifter shaft.



Step 9 - Unclip the wiring harness from the shifter assembly. There are two plastic clips holding the wiring harness to the shifter assembly. You'll have to lift and twist the shifter assembly toward the passenger side, then use a needle nose pliers to release the clips and pull them out. Be careful not to pull on the wires too hard. There isn't a ton of slack.







Step 10 + Now reverse the disassembly with the new shifter assembly.


Super big thanks to Spork who let me take apart her brand new Mirage with less than 1k miles on it!

[MetroMPG]

Nice.

Looking forward to driving impressions.

[Daox]

For my driving impressions see here:

Developing a short shifter - driving impressions