Need help... spilled soda onto auto shifter

VictoriaRR · 10-25-2009, 07:08 PM

So I had to brake hard as I got cut off by this guy in a Charger and when I did, my soda fell forward onto the shifter. The top didn't fall off of the cup, but some of the soda came out from the hole where the straw goes into and spilled. I cleaned it up, but the next day (Friday) I realized that the shifter became pretty hard to move and became increasingly hard to shift as the day went on. When I go into reverse from drive, it takes more force to get it to move. Same goes when I go from drive to park. From what I gather, I can open up the shifter and clean out the components with alcohol to get rid of the stickiness and sugar. However, I have no clue how to open up the shifter case. Anyone know of a diagram or have any ideas how I can do this to eliminate the problem? Thanks.

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pascal · 10-25-2009, 08:24 PM

Spill soaping water in the same spot, then use your hair dryer to dry everything out?

Lethaldosage423 · 10-25-2009, 08:40 PM

Good Call Pascal

unless something is rusted

you should be able to get a better look if you pop that plastic trim off round the shifter

use a small flatblade but Dont scratch the plastic

pascal · 10-25-2009, 08:46 PM

I would suggest WD40 and lithium grease but the stink will stay for a while so that ain't cool.

Lethaldosage423 · 10-25-2009, 08:47 PM

WD40 doesnt smell bad

lithium grease on the other hand....egh

usc49erfan · 10-25-2009, 09:40 PM

you can pop off the plastic trim part, or if you want more detailed cleaning you can pull the entire dash apart, not that hard just start with the two screws in the console, then the ones in the front(one in front of the ebrake and the other on the right)