Shift Handle

[87T-Type]

Ready to chuck the thing! I bought a brand new GM shift handle, sounds like an easy fix, boy was I wrong! I have sanded the inside, used an exacto knife, trimmed the heck out of it. I finally got it on all the way and now the button does not allow me to shift it in and out of gear. Its like its not pushing the whithe button all the way down. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to fix this problem? Should i just buy a billet handle and forget the stock one? Any help is appreciated!

 

[MSDGN]

That is a stock GM handle on the stock GM shifter???...I've never had to sand or file or whatever to get a new one on...without the handle can you push the white button down and shift?

 

[87T-Type]

Yes, with out the handle on I can push the white button down and shift into all the gears. Granted, it has to be flush with the silver shift rod, but it works like a champ with out the new handle on! It was a genuine GM shift handle in the box. I dont know why this is so difficult, should only be a 5 minute thing!

 

[87GNSteve]

That little white plastic piece turns is it 90* out?

 

[turbofish38]

A new handle is going to be tight. No need to sand it. Pop it into a pan of boiling water. Press it on while its still hot and it should slide on with out a problem. Make sure you install the chrome ring on the bottom first. You can install the rest of the parts after the handle is on.

 

[87T-Type]

The white button is so positioned that the small angle part is facing where the slider button goes. The flat side is facing down.
The handle goes on now that I have modified it, but it still does not let me shift!

 

[GNXcess]

Try removing the C-clip on the side of the handle completely, then pushing the handle all the way down onto the shaft. Now replace the clip.

I have found it sometimes clicks down but is not seated properly on the shaft when the C-clip goes in. This results in the situation you just described.

Never ever had to sand or shave anything on the stock handle assembly, though.

Hope this helps,
Doug

 

[mikestertwo]

I have had problems with new handles. A couple I had to trim the inside of the handle to fit over the shifter. You don't want it to fit too tight. It is plastic and will split over time if too tight.

 

[chasmat2316]

I replaced the handle on my car about a month ago, no cuting or sanding involved!