98 Trans am automatic trans...
shifter handle, side handle button won't depress when cold without excessive effort...finally broke something internally, button now depresses, but shifter won't move from Park position. not evident how to remove shifter handle to replace, dealer parts guy says shifter handle is replaced as a unit only. Need to know if shifter handle replacement is likely solution, and how to remove and replace handle...
The front of the handle has a large "U" clip. Use a screw drive and pry the clip out. It's a lot easier to do when the shifter is pulled all the way back to "1" or "2" but is doable in park still. The handle will then pull up. There will be a plastic piece in it that pushes down to release the lock in the shifter assembly. If when you push the plastic piece down it doesn't release the lock you will have to remove the shifter cover and take a look inside, to see what broke. It may require replacing the whole shifter assembly. You should be able to find the complete assembly used for fairly cheap.
On the front of the handle facing the dash there is a pin thing you slide out with a small flat head screwdriver should come out pretty easy, then you can just pull the knob upwards. Most likely what has happened is there was moisture somewhere and was making it seize up. The internals are plastic to much abuse and they break you will most likely need a new assembley which is bad to replace but taking the knob off lets you stick a screwdriver in the shifter arm and you can still drive the car till you get a replacement one.
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