I'm trying to take off the console piece around the shift **** (instructions in the Nismo shift **** manual say to do this). I have a 2006 350z, and it seems like the diagram in the manual shows an older version of the console. I have inserted a flathead screwdriver (wrapped in tape) underneath the console piece, and lifted it up slightly, but I cannot see any sign of a metal clip inside. Does anyone have any close-up pictures of the metal clips underneath the console piece? Or has anyone done this in a 2006 350z and can help me?

 

Simply place your fingers in the shift boot at the point furthest awayfrom the front of the car. Curl them under the console piece. The shift boot should have enough material for you to do this. Simply pull up and the piece comes off.

At this point you will have access to the the shifter from the inside so that you may attach a wrench and unscrew the ****.

I have taken this piece off many times. it is as easy as that.

 

I just tried that method.. not working. At least I'm too scared to pull very hard that way. I feel like the whole thing is going to break. Aren't there metal clips that I need to unclip (somehow) before I remove the piece?

 

I have a 2003, so it is possible there is a minor difference but I doubt it.

On my car it came up pretty easy though so maybe you should wait and see who else pipes up.

 

Works on a 2005 the same way joust says. No problemo at all. I've done it many times.

 

Ah nevermind, got it off. But now I'm too scared to take the shift **** off. I got my dad to hold a wrench very tight on the base, and then tried to twist off the shift ****. Didn't budge. And I'm scared that I'll rip the transmission in half.

 

Somewhere on this forum there's really good instructions for this, with very clear pics. Search something like "replace shift ****." I know because I did this recently. I believe there's even a pdf you can download & print. You do hafta be careful 'cause you can damage the tranny if you twist the shaft. Be careful, but if you follow the instructions ultimately it's easy.

 

Yes definitely do not force the wrench. You CAN mess up the tranny. Instead put a wrench on the lower half to counter and then use a cloth ( to protect the shifter if you care) and another wrench on the shifter itself to unscrew.
Remember; lefty loosey Righty tighty

 

It will come off, but it will feel like frozen molasses when it does start to move. This on my '03. Later models are reported to be MUCH easier to remove.

 

Get a pair of vice grips and clamp them down tight on the rubber area on the shifter assembly right below where the shift boot is clipped on. Then just wrap a thick towel around the shift **** and twist while holding the vice grips in place. It will come off fairly easy.

 

Just tried it. I'm using a normal wrench, will that work or will I need a special tool? This is frustrating, I'm tempted to go to my dealership and get them to do it..

 

does this work with 06 too?

 

Re-read, the answer lies within.

 

Actually, use some Channel Locks to turn the **** itself (I forgot what they were called). Use vice grips on the shift assembly. Kelly did a great writeup on it here:

https://my350z.com/forum/search.php?searchid=1270912

 

You should see a RUBBER BOOT that goes around the shifter base. It is under all that cotton and crap. Just HOLD THIS TIGHT with a vice grip (as mentioned).

Wrap a cloth around the shift **** and use the BIGGEST, BADDEST wrench you can find. It has locktite on the threads, that is why its so hard to get off. If you are holding the rubber base tight with the vice grip there is no way to damage the tranny.

Now just turn... I used a 12" wrench. It's really not all that hard... I did it myself easily with no experience. The vice grip really really helps though.