How to Replace a Manual Shifter in a Ford Mustang (1994-2004)

If you want to replace, reseal, or upgrade your Mustang's shifter, you can do it yourself. Gather the proper tools together and follow these guidelines carefully to replace a manual shifter in a Ford Mustang.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat blade screwdriver or panel popper
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket (or 10mm wrench)
• 13mm socket
• ¼-inch drive hand ratchet with 6-inch extension
• ⅜-inch drive hand ratchet with 6-inch extension, and (optional) universal joint
• Car vacuum
• Razor blades
• Shop rags
• RTV Silicon gasket maker (grey or black)
• Small container to hold parts (optional)
• Flashlight (optional)

1. Gather tools together inside car for easy access. Keep in bag or container to avoid getting upholstery dirty.

2. Engage parking brake.

3. 
   Shifter with knob removed

   Unscrew shifter knob.

4. Using the panel popper, carefully pry up the edges of the shifter bezel. There are four clips holding the bezel in place. Start at the bottom of the U-shape. There are no clips at the bottom and it will be easiest to work the panel popper in.

5. Slide shifter cover off slowly. The cigarette lighter will be attached with two electrical wires (power and ground).

6. Tilt cover to the side and disconnect the wires. The electrical connectors should pop off easily. Don't touch the wire connectors together, as it could pop the circuit.

7. Push wires off to the side to keep them out of the way.

8. Vacuum out dust and debris from around the shifter.

9. 
   Loosen then remove these two screws.

   Remove the top part of the shifter handle. Use the ⅜ ratchet with 10mm socket to remove the two screws. Loosen both screws first, before removing either one. This will help eliminate breakage. Place screws in ashtray or other container so you can find them later.

10. 
    After top part of handle is removed, you'll work on the base plate.

    Remove metal base plate. (This covers the hole in the car floor.) Use the ¼-inch ratchet and 6-inch extension with an 8mm socket to remove all four screws. You may need the flexibility of a universal joint to get at the back screws.

11. Remove shifter. Use ⅜ ratchet and 6-inch extension with 13mm socket to remove the final four bolts.

12. Lift shifter straight up to remove. Stuff shop rag into opening to keep any debris from falling into the transmission.

13. 
    You'll need to scrape old silicon from the bottom of the shifter.

    Use a razor blade or edge of flat screwdriver to scrape old silicon from lip of transmission. If resealing existing parts rather than buying new, you'll also need to clean the silicon from the bottom of the shifter.

14. Carefully remove rag (now full of fallen silicon debris) and discard.

15. 
    Apply thin bead of silicon to flat part of shifter base, just inside the edge--location indicated in photo.

    Create silicon seal to existing or new shifter. Add a thin bead of silicon to the flat base of the shifter, just inside the raised edge. Put a small amount around the bolt openings to add extra seal. Follow manufacturer's instructions for application and setting time.

16. 
    Opening in transmission, as indicated. (See step 13 for shifter ball photo.)

    Line up the ball at the bottom of the shifter with the hole in the transmission. You should feel some resistance as you slide the shifter into place. If it moves around loosely, you haven't lined it up properly.

17. Press the silicon-covered base into place. Try not to slide it around as this will smear the silicon and weaken the seal.

18. Follow Steps 3 through 11 in reverse to replace all the shifter parts and complete the project.

Tips & Warnings

• Every time you remove parts or screws, place them in the car's ashtray or use a small container. This way you can easily find them when you need to put them back in, and they won't roll away into some hidden corner of the car.
• Using a flashlight, especially if working in the garage, will help you to see the screws and connectors more clearly. Special work lights can be propped up and held more easily, or you can enlist a friend's help to hold the flashlight for you.
• Gold RTV silicon gasket maker is fine but not necessary. Avoid the blue silicon; it's not strong enough for the job.
• It is recommended that you disconnect the car's battery before working on any of the electrical components.

Resources

• Shifers and other car parts at Auto Parts Warehouse
• Shifter knobs and boots at Amazon.com