Remove/tighten gear shifter handle

How do you remove/tighten up the gear shifter handle for the Taurus with a center console? What's the trick? Ours is very loose (around 3/4 inch play). I know this much play shouldn't be in the handle (the part you grab with the button). On our 89 Cougar there was a 'C' clip that you removed at the bottom of the handle, but no such clip on this one :frown:

I assume you're referring to your 2004 Taurus.

I'll check the manual for the 2002 this evening or Friday. Is the play rotational play or linear play up and down? Can you determine if the play is also in the shaft, or just in the knob?

-Rod

I assume you're referring to your 2004 Taurus.
Yes.

Is the play rotational play or linear play up and down?
Rotational.

Can you determine if the play is also in the shaft, or just in the knob?
Just the knob. If there is a set screw lose that would explain all of this, but I didn't see one :)

Per the service manual for a 2002 Taurus:

Transmission Selector Lever Knob

Removal
Slide the plastic sleeve down.
Remove the screws. [They appear to be Torx from the diagram - Rod]
Depress the button and remove the selector lever knob.
Installation

Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.-Rod

THANKS Rod! This worked like a charm :)

It was even looser than I first thought. Ford makes a solid wood shifter handle for the 2005-2006 Taurus and now that I know how to replace it I think I'll add it :)