I replaced my torn auto shift lever boot (Part # XL3Z-3D677-AAB) the other day, so I snapped a few pics and wrote a how-to of this simple repair. I'm not sure how common this problem is (I found little info searching), but the boots have torn on both my truck and my work truck ... possibly because I drive with the wheel tilted all the way down and the upper steering column cover may be rubbing up against the boot.

The repair consists of removing the upper steering column cover and the shift lever to install the new boot.


1. Disconnect neg battery cable.

2. Remove the steering column opening cover.

• Move shift lever to 1
• Pull up clips from bottom of cover first

3. I removed the lower instrument panel steering column cover to make it easier to get to the OD wires/plug. While not necessary to complete the repair, I think removing the cover makes it easier (you can also take this opportunity to easily adjust your dash gear indicator, if necessary ).

• Remove fuse panel cover
• Remove unused gray electrical connector from the lower instrument panel cover
• Remove 2 screws (7mm) holding hood release lever
• Remove 2 screws (7mm) holding parking brake release lever
• Remove 6 screws (2 - 8mm, 4 - 7mm) holding lower instrument panel cover
• Remove lower instrument panel cover

4. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder

• Turn the ignition to RUN position
• Insert a thin punch into hole in bottom of steering column cover to push the release pin.
• Pull out the ignition switch lock cylinder while pushing in the release pin

5. Remove 3 screws (Philips) and remove the upper steering column cover.




6. Unplug OD wire by following the wire from the shift lever to the plug under the dash, just left of the steering column. Remove the OD wire from 3 clips, and pull it up out of the dash.

7. Remove old shifter boot from steering column and shift lever.

8. Drive out pin holding shift lever and remove shift lever.




9. Remove old shifter boot and carefully slide new boot over OD wire connector, down the wire and onto the lever. Push frame of boot onto/into pin/slot on the steering column. Make sure the boot is oriented properly on the shift lever so when the boot and shift lever are installed, the boot is not twisted.

10. Follow removal procedure in reverse order.

Note: My Ford service manual calls for a new shift lever pin whenever the shift lever is removed. I reused my old pin ... you can do what you wish

 

Great write up as usual. The pics help to give me some insight as to why my shifter is loosey-goosey and where the bolt that fell on my floor board goes

 

Wow! this will help me to replace my shifter lever! I have the problem where the tip or the end with the overdrive button is broken (I don't know how its called)
by the way does any one knows where I can buy the shifter lever?

Thanks fairlaner!! this is great!

 

wow grate article. Thanks for your tips.

 

Great article, it really helped!