I found a couple of brief threads around the interweb about people who experienced the button on their gear shift no longer locking, but figured I'd add my $0.02. When this happens, the gear shift can be pushed/pulled from park, to reverse, to neutral, to drive - and then back - freely, with only a click as the car settles into each transmission mode. While this in and of itself isn't terrible, the fact that one could quickly/accidentally bump the car from drive straight through neutral and to reverse while cruising down the highway is a very bad thing (my dog, who thinks riding in the back seat is just altogether too degrading for him, has a tendency to jump up to the front passenger seat, and I had nightmares of him grenading my transmission in his desires for a better view). Alas, there was nothing very specific about simple/cheap fixes, so I figured I'd post what I came up with. Foolishly, I did not take photos, but the description should get you there pretty easily.

The grey button on the head of the gear shifter is connected to a plastic vertical connector inside the shifter mechanism that locks/unlocks the shifter and prevents it from moving between gear selections when not depressed. Behind that grey button is small spring, and this spring is what "returns" the selector to a locked mode upon release. That spring is made of small-gauge wire and is, unfortunately, prone to break. To my knowledge, you can't buy only the spring from LR - you have purchase a whole new gear selector mechanism, which is, of course, prohibitively expensive for such a simple (but important) piece. But there is something easily cannibalize-able to provide you a perfect spring replacement - a curling iron! The size, wire gauge, and orientation are nearly identical matches for the broken LR spring. So here's the how-to:

1. First, you need to remove the shift boot from the gear shifter. Rotate the lock mechanism (not visible, located at the base of the shifter head underneath the leather) counterclockwise to unlock the boot cover, and slide the boot down, exposing the base of the shifter head.

2. There are four black "tabs" at the base of the shifter head, connecting the head to the metal shifter. Carefully lift ever so slightly on the one facing the rear of the car, while pulling up on the shift head. This should release the head and allow you to pull it off the shifter.

3. On the back of the shifter head (opposite the side of the button), use a knife or thin flathead screwdriver and pry up on the silver plastic cover - it should pop off from its mounting tabs, and you can start to see inside the shifter head.

4. On the button side of the shifter head, at the top of the button, there are plastic pivot connectors/"axles" on either side. Insert your knife or small screwdriver one on side, pry slightly/gently, and work the connectors out so the button pops off. Be careful not to snap the connector tabs, otherwise you're going to need a new button (which is probably not that easy to find). Behind the button, you should see the little spring (likely with one side or the other, or both, broken) inserted into two tiny holes behind where the connector tabs go.

5. Remove the spring and DON'T LOSE IT. Yes, I know it's broken, but you'll want to keep it handy to match up size/gauge. Keep all your parts organized, set them aside, and head to your local thrift store with your broken spring (your car is still drivable if you want to take it, you'll just need to push the white vertical plastic piece extending out from the metal shifter down to allow you to shift between gears; or you can take your spouse/significant other's car, telling her you're going to get a curling iron...that should make for a fun conversation starter). You could go to Walmart, or Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond, to buy a fancy new curling iron, but you only care about the spring mechanism, so better to pay $1.99 for one of questionable vintage/effectiveness/cleanliness that is most likely only going to get thrown away after you strip out the spring.

6. Once you locate the area in your local thrift store where old curling irons go to die, pull out your broken spring. If you look underneath the handle of the various irons, you should be able to plainly see the spring. You'll want to locate one of similar size and gauge, keeping in mind about the two pointy ends where the spring mounts behind the button. I actually went slightly heavier/stronger with the new spring vs. the one that I pulled out, and the fit was fine (I suspect it will last me a lot longer than the broken one, and I like the strong response on the repaired button). Once you find a match, fork over the equivalent of a cheap beer to your nice thrift store cashier and give her a wink and a smile (she's working at a thrift store on a nice Saturday afternoon, it's the least you can do).

7. Now that you're back home with your fancy new-to-you curling iron, rip it apart. I was able to just remove the outer part from mine and pull the spring out, but you may need to do some more hardcore disassembly (like, pulling a screw or two). Once you have your new spring, now comes the hard part, at least for somebody with poor eyesight and limited manual dexterity like me. Line up the spring ends to the two tiny holes on the shifter head, and insert it. It'll only properly fit one direction, so if you get it wrong the first time, you'll know it.

8. Next comes reassembly/reattachment. Put the button back in via the connector tabs, again being careful not to mangle or break them. You should feel the spring-return on the button at this point. Toward the bottom of the button is a white plastic piece that connects with the white plastic piece sticking out of the gear shifter. Orient the shifter head as it came off, pull the piece up from the shifter so it is at its highest point, and slide the shifter head on. You may need to use your knife or small screwdriver, inserted through the rear of the shifter head (you didn't put that silver plastic piece back on yet, did you? because I didn't tell you to), to help line up the connection points and hold them in place. Once connected, you'll be able to depress the button and see the vertical piece moving up and down through the back of the shifter head, so you know it's working properly. Complete the reassembly of the shifter head rear silver plastic piece and boot.

9. Ask your spouse/significant other if she wants a used, partially operable curling iron that has been on somebody else's head. Upon viewing the obligatory disgusted face, quickly throw it away (unless you want to keep it for future shop heating needs) and grab a beer.

One of the better uses of a thrift store curling iron you'll ever see (I hope...if you find one better, please let me know).

 

Nice write up. Thanks!