Transmission Shift Lever is Difficult to Move (Replace Shift Lever)

Some owners may comment that the transmission range selector lever is difficult to move/shift.

The original shift lever may not impart enough mechanical advantage on the shift linkage to provide low enough effort when shifting gears.

Important: The following procedure is applicable to 1997 through early 2001 Buick Century models.

Use the following procedure to install a revised shift lever which provides better leverage on the shift linkage.

Important: The 2001 Century was changed over in production to the revised shift lever. Only very early 2001 models will be equipped with the original style shift levers. The shift levers do not have part numbers on them. You can identify the lever version by the shape, length and style. The original part is an S-shaped lever that is slightly shorter than the new design. Also at the base of the lever where the plastic covering begins, is a single flared plastic stop. This first design lever is identified in the illustration as (1). The revised lever has a double ringed raised lever stop and is identified as (2) in the illustration.

Procedure

1. Remove the transmission shift lever dust boot.
2. Remove (1) Torx bolt retaining shift lever to the steering column.
3. Remove the shift lever and discard.
4. Install the revised shift lever to the steering column.
5. Install (1) Torx bolt to retain shift lever to the steering column.
6. Re-fit the transmission shift lever dust boot.
7. Move the transmission gear selector lever through all ranges to confirm proper operation and retention of the dust boot.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: