Steering Column Gear Shift Lever: Removal

Remove the fuse panel cover from the left end of the instrument panel (Fig 1).

Fig 1: Removing Fuse Panel Cover
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the 2 screws behind the fuse panel cover attaching the lower instrument panel cover to the instrument panel (Fig 2).

Fig 2: Removing Lower Instrument Panel Cover Mounting Screws
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the lower instrument panel cover. The lower instrument panel cover is attached by retaining clips along the top and right edge.
Remove the tilt lever and the upper and lower steering column shrouds from steering column assembly (Fig 3). Then remove center outlet bezel.

Fig 3: Removing Tilt Lever & Upper & Lower Shrouds
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid from the shift lever mechanism (Fig 4). To do so, perform the following:
1. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the solenoid.
2. Remove the retainer clip from the end of the solenoid (Fig 5).
3. Slide the solenoid straight off the shift lever mounting stud.
Remove the gear shift cable from the attaching pin on the shift lever assembly.

Fig 4: Remove Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) Solenoid
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 5: Removing Solenoid Retainer Clip
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Unlock shift cable adjuster.
Remove the 3 Torx® head screws attaching the shift lever assembly to the steering column tilt housing (Fig 6), then remove shift lever assembly from tilt housing and unhook the ignition interlock cable from shift lever assembly (Fig 6).

Fig 6: Removing Shift Lever Assembly Attaching Screws
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the interlock cassette from the steering column and discard it.

NOTE: A new interlock cassette must be installed when a new shift lever assembly is installed.