850 shift knob removal

Nelson · Post by **Nelson** » 06 Jan 2003, 12:16

ok guys I have a 1994 850 wagon non turbo and the shift knob has deteriorated. so I got another shift mechanism with a perfect shift knob but broken that does not permit me to change the whole mechanism. I thouht well all I need is the knob, lets change just the knob. but I've tried every way imaginable and I still can't get it off the shift lever any help will be greatly apreciated. sounds easy but it''s not. please help me!!!

Pete · Post by **Pete** » 15 Jan 2003, 15:59

i know what your saying, i have a 93 850gle, the shift knob on that is deteriating as well. in the haynes manual it say u have to remove the centre console, then pull up really hard on the lever. ive tryed to do that with mo luck. my belife is to do the job properly u have to replace the whole mechanism

vroomvolvo850 · Post by **vroomvolvo850** » 30 Oct 2008, 16:37

turn the dust boot and then pull up very hard!

Post by **Sperry** » 31 Oct 2008, 05:20

I acquired a leather shift knob labeled "S40/C70" but am
reluctant to experiment with installation.
The directions say to turn the shifter 1/6 turn, and it pops out.

Right, like I'm going to mess with my primary form of transportation.

If you get the procedure in writing, can you post it?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 31 Oct 2008, 05:31

No need to take off the center console. The dust boot twists a 1/4 turn and comes off...the shift knob itself is tough to get off...I fashioned (with towel on the console so I don't scratch it) a leverage gismo- used an open ended wrench with the handle part of a screw driver to leverage it. Be careful because when it comes loose it does so in a surprising way and you can hit yourself in the face/head with it. Reinstalling it is just pushing it down on the metal shift shaft fully- to do this on my S70 I actually used a towel over the shift knob and a rubber mallet with a couple of light whacks.

SnookWhaler · Post by **SnookWhaler** » 31 Oct 2008, 06:21

Are we talking about an automatic? Does the button come off with the handle?

I have the same problem and got a quote from the dealer $73 for a new one. I have been looking in the salvage yards for a better one, but they all look like hell.

So, the knobs out of other models will work on the 850?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 31 Oct 2008, 14:28

I just did this a few weeks ago with my '98 auto trans.
I THINK they're the same..
There's a little plastic ring with a rectangular hole that's right at
the top of the shifer boot. It does double duty of securing the
knob and the top of the shifter boot. The shifter shaft is square,
so you grab hold of the ring through the top of the boot and
twist 90 degrees either way. Then you can slide the boot down
and get a better look at the square shaft.

At this point, the knob is just held on by serious friction.
I took a pointer from Bay 13 over at VS and clamped a set
of vise grips on the square tubing just below the shifter
knob and levered the knob off with a large pair of curved
needle nose pliers. Worked like a charm!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 31 Oct 2008, 15:50

There are many ways to skin a cat!

895meztz94 · Post by **895meztz94** » 31 Oct 2008, 19:08

Pull up - HARD.

hpridal · Post by **hpridal** » 05 Apr 2014, 15:34

A little hint for those who brake the plastic (like I did). There is enough material to put in a short screw, just use the "dremel." I gave 3 screws around and fits absolutely fine.