How do you get the top off the shifter handle of a 96 XJ? Been trying to take the center console out along w/ the square plastic plate the handle goes through.

 

it pulls straight upwards gently smack it from underneath hold your hand above it might coming flying off

good luck, Marc

edit: dont twist it !

 

So in popping it straight up somehow this plastic part of the button mechanism got broken. JYs around here don't let you go in and prob won't want to retrieve something like this.

Should I just get the part number from a dealer then search for it on ebay?

 

Where is it broken?

 

You might be able to fabricate a replacement part. Some have used a cut up plastic coat hanger for example.

 

I used a chop stick cut to size when mine broke 5yrs ago.. Still in there, working great.

 

Superglue the post back on at the top if you still have it. Or use a chopstick cut to size and replace the entire thing. Or anything else that will fit. A rubber hose, even.

Found this. See post #9.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/ca...t-gear-514108/

 

There's a 1" rod that's missing from the top.

Thanks for the advice on how to get around this. I'll probably use a plastic coat hanger like suggested. But I'd still like to get it replaced with the right part.

Any advice on where to find this besides the dealer?

 

that is the way to get it off, it was probably broken already

marc

 

Look up Dorman #924-738. Its called a "shift release link". I dont know if it fits Cherokee as its listed for a 97-02 Wrangler, but i dont why see it would be any different. Ebay has them for as little as $12. 4wd.com has it for 13.99. Jeggs has it for 16.99. Its over $20 from Advance Auto.

Just found it on Rockauto using the part number search.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/do...pair+kit,16500

 

Wow big thanks. That's got to be the same part. I tried searching everywhere by drilling down through transmission. I'm ok finding most parts but this one just baffled me. Cheapest I found was something like 60 bucks but that was the entire shift lever unit.

 

I guess I'll start saving them from my parts Jeeps.

 

Turns out the Dorman #924-738 part didn't work. Looks like it would but it was like 1/4 in longer and didn't fit. Oh well. I epoxied my pieces together so we'll see how it goes.

 

^
Can't you just cut or sand it down?

 

That is what I asked on another of the forums he asked this question. Take off a bead or so at the bottom?