Shift Knob for Neon, neon question, dodge neon

QUESTION: Can you tell me if the shift knob from a 2000 Dodge Neon can be replaced from a Neon of a different year? I was also wondering if they are hard to replace. It doesn't look like I can just twist it off, but that I might need an allen wrench to remove it.

I'm not sure what it's called, maybe safety lock trigger, but it somehow got messed up and now my shifter won't lock sometimes.

Thanks

ANSWER:      While all Neon shifters are basically the same, and could be switched (the differences are mostly cosmetic), I would not recommend it.  I would recommend disassembling the old unit, determining what was wrong ( the actual problem may not be in the knob, itself), and buying new parts from the dealer.  It might not seem like a real safety item but, if you have to change gears extra quick one day to get out of harm's way, you want that shifter to work smoothly and without the necessity of stopping to think about what you are doing.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I just need an allen wrench to get the knob off? The safety lock trigger has either twisted to the side in the knob, or the rubber cover on the trigger was causing the problem. It eventually came most of the way off last night.

When you say to change gears to get out of harm's way, are you talking about manual transmission. I didn't mention before, but the knob is on an automatic.

Thanks

Answer
    Well, I can't see it from here, but most of these knobs are held on by a single screw.  If you can see an allen head screw, then that's it.  However, I'm surprised it isn't a Torx head screw, which looks like an allen head with little tiny teeth at the apex of each angle.  If it is a Torx head, then you will need a Torx driver to get it off.  They are also used as anti-tamper screws on most computer equipment, so you or a friend probably already has one.
    As for getting out of harm's way, I once missed being hit by a bus by about six inches 'cause I was able to shift into reverse and floor it.  Automatics get shifted, too, just not as much.

Car Repair | Car Diagnosis | Brake Repair | Transmission Repair | Trouble codes | car repair problems | auto insurance question | Car Logos Pictures |