99 GP console questions

[eippermx]

I need to R & R my cup holder in my red 99 GP's console. Can someone explain how to remove the shifter knob? It is covered with leather looking material and I'm befuddled by how to remove it. Any suggestions? Anything I should look out for when removing the console?


Mark
2dr 3800 Bright Red 1999 Grand Prix

[BNaylor]

The shifter knob has a retaining clip that looks like a big staple. Put the shifter in D3 and you will see it on the backside of the knob facing the dash. Remove it with a thin bladed screwdriver and then pull the knob off.

On removing and re-installing the console be sure the check around the area the shifter shift interlock solenoid and make the wiring is routed properly and not pinched. Also, make sure the cable going to the transmission range switch from the shifter assembly is routed properly and not twisted/binding.

[richtazz]

While in there, check for and clean up any spillage residue and fuzz/lint/hair to keep the BTSI solenoid functioning correctly too. It's much easier to do while it's already apart and you'd be suprised what gets down in there.

[eippermx]

Thanks for your feedback, its appreciated. It turns out I didn't need to remove the console to replace the cup holder. What I wound up doing was carefully (GENTLY) wedging a vinyl coated handle from a pair of pliers between the driver side of the console and cup holder. I lifted up the cup holder slightly, then pulled the handle and did the same thing on the other side of the holder. After that it was a matter of working the holder out of its opening in the console. When I replaced the cup holder with a new unit from GM, I tried to put the springs back on the bottom of the ears of the holder and couldn't work the new part back into the opening. I installed it with out the springs and have not had a problem with the holder flipping out of the console during a hard brake situation. Note, the new GM part I got from the dealer was a slightly different design from the old one. It allows you to take the straps off (remove the pin and spring) like the old design, but the strap itself is a little shorter, has a pin on the bottom of the slide which fits in a vertical slot perpendicular to the long horizontal slot on the back of the holder. So if you are thinking of buying a new GM holder for its straps, be prepared to replace the whole unit; the older design just has the long slot and will not accommodate the redesigned straps.

Mark
Love my Red 2dr Red GT