How to replace the gear shifter knob - top chrome cover flaking.

[Explorer_PL]

Hi -

anybody replaced the shifter knob ? Mine is flaking to the point that it catches my sleeve since the chrome coating is hard and sharp. I am talking about the top cap over the release button.

What is the part # if I need to replace the whole thing, and how does it pop off ?

Thanks all

 

[polizi212]

The part number for your 06 Explorer is Ford part #7213 shift handle assembly, that part will cost about 138.00 from Ford for you Eddie Bauer. Now if you want to save a ton of money and would like a different shift handle that will only cost $20.00 look at this thread.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346892&highlight=flex

 

[Explorer_PL]

Thanks Polizi

Funny I found it too, and I just ordered the part on eBay for $ 17
It is crazy you jut can get the top for it, and it is a common issue.

Thanks again.

 

[polizi212]

Thanks Polizi

Funny I found it too, and I just ordered the part on eBay for $ 17
It is crazy you jut can get the top for it, and it is a common issue.

Thanks again.

Did you order the Stock handle for 17.00? Or the Flex one?

 

[Explorer_PL]

Flex one.

I only saw the whole assemblies for almost 200 bucks for Explorers - stupid design.

 

[polizi212]

Flex one.

I only saw the whole assemblies for almost 200 bucks for Explorers - stupid design.

I found handles that looked like the stock one on ebay but they were still almost $60.00


I would be interested in know how the install goes for the flex handle. I would like to put one in my Explorer!

 

[Explorer_PL]

I'll let you know when I am done

 

[Themightyquinn]

Hi -

anybody replaced the shifter knob ? Mine is flaking to the point that it catches my sleeve since the chrome coating is hard and sharp. I am talking about the top cap over the release button.

What is the part # if I need to replace the whole thing, and how does it pop off ?

Thanks all

If it is the chrome paint that is flaking, why not just grab a can of chrome paint and paint it?

 

[polizi212]

If it is the chrome paint that is flaking, why not just grab a can of chrome paint and paint it?

The top is not covered in Chrome paint, It is actually Chrome plated! I for one would rather not have a odd looking chrome painted piece in my Explorer. For the cost the Flex handle is a pretty nice alternative.

 

[Themightyquinn]

I really dont think it would look any different with chrome paint. That would be the cheapest alternative. Plus the explorer shift lever looks ten times better than the flex one.

 

[polizi212]

It has been my experience that Chrome paint has always looked like paint! I know that there may be some paint or technique out there that might contradict my experience. While the Explorer handle looks nice its a bit over-sized, and gest in my way more than it should! If i had my way that shifter would be on the Steering column. That of course is just my opinion.

 

[Themightyquinn]

for me, it only gets it the way somewhat of the seat heater/windshield heater buttons if it is in Park. when it is in Drive, its no issue for me. of course is you just slap some paint on its not goin to look that nice, but if you work at it, you can make it look very nice. If I am not mistaken, the chrome grill on the EBs and Limiteds and the earlier XLTs are also chrome painted plastic, right? I remember on the 92 XLT that I had, the paint was wearing off and you could see that it was plastic.

 

[Themightyquinn]

It has been my experience that Chrome paint has always looked like paint! I know that there may be some paint or technique out there that might contradict my experience. While the Explorer handle looks nice its a bit over-sized, and gest in my way more than it should! If i had my way that shifter would be on the Steering column. That of course is just my opinion.

for some reason I just cant stand column shifters. I guess because it is so much quicker to reach for and move the selector when its center console mounted. But on the other hand you lose center console storage room.

 

[Explorer_PL]

How do you remove the knob itself ?
I have all the bezels removed, how is it attached to the rod?

 

[Scorpion8]

How do you remove the knob itself ?
I have all the bezels removed, how is it attached to the rod?

From the other thread listed:

Then begin to remove the OEM Phalic shifter. Slide down the chrome trim on the bottom, which reveals one 4mm set screw on the passeger side. Loosen this.

 

[Explorer_PL]

OK, I missed that.
I'll try that.

thanks Scorpion

 

[polizi212]

OK, I missed that.
I'll try that.

thanks Scorpion

Well did you get it changed out Ok???

 

[Scorpion8]

No pics, never happened!

 

[Explorer_PL]

You guys are so impatient like kids
The Flex shifter is coming on Monday. In the meantime I pulled off the top cap, peeled off the chrome coating, and sprayed it with a base and then Home Depot chrome spray. I'll post pictures once installed. If the chrome looks bad, I'll spray black. Then I'll see if I can live with that.
From the other post I read that with the Flex shifter you can't get to gear #1 which is important to me when towing or plowing, so I'll test it when I get to it. I may have to stay with the stock one.

 

[polizi212]

How is that Chrome cap attached?