Does anyone know how to remove that god-awful shifter handle from a 2000 L4 2.4L? it has some sort of notch in the front but i can't seem to find any sort of release or screws to get it off. Also I'm going to remove the reverse blocker that you have to lift up to move into reverse.
any ideas other then cutting it off with a reciprocating saw?
Also is there any way to replace the E-Brake handle? the previous owner had a dog and chewed it pretty good, i was looking at after market for both shifter and e-brake handle.

Welcome to AF.

Do you have the automatic or manual transmission?

For the automatic shift knob just remove the clip that holds the shifter knob on. It looks like a big staple. You can use a flat blade screwdriver.

I'm curious... do you have the 3400sfi engine in your car? if so then this will be what you need.

For the automatic...

1 with the e-brake on and the ignition in the on position put the car into 1st gear.

2 pull the shifter boot down

3 feel for a slot in the lower section of the front part of the shifter knob that was covered by the boot

4 use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the U shaped "pin" out while covering the point where the screwdriver and the "pin" meet with your other hand to prevent it from going flying

5 once the "pin" is out pull up on the handle, it should slide right off.

6 put "pin" in slot so as not to lose it.

This is how it is done in my grand am which is essentially the same car as your alero so it should work the same way.

F.Y.I. the easiest to install replacements are shift knobs from other GM cars as most of them use the same system and color matching is easiest too. I have a shifter from a bonneville in my car, the install took 5 minutes and the color is a perfect match.

I hope this helps

I'm curious... do you have the 3400sfi engine in your car? if so then this will be what you need.

For the automatic...

1 with the e-brake on and the ignition in the on position put the car into 1st gear.

2 pull the shifter boot down

3 feel for a slot in the lower section of the front part of the shifter knob that was covered by the boot

4 use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the U shaped "pin" out while covering the point where the screwdriver and the "pin" meet with your other hand to prevent it from going flying

5 once the "pin" is out pull up on the handle, it should slide right off.

6 put "pin" in slot so as not to lose it.

This is how it is done in my grand am which is essentially the same car as your alero so it should work the same way.

F.Y.I. the easiest to install replacements are shift knobs from other GM cars as most of them use the same system and color matching is easiest too. I have a shifter from a bonneville in my car, the install took 5 minutes and the color is a perfect match.

I hope this helps

I'm curious... do you have the 3400sfi engine in your car?


Overall good advice, however, do not assume the Alero and Grand Am interiors and center consoles are the same. There is no shifter boot covering the shift knob so steps 2 & 3 are not necessary. Thanks for contributing to the forum.

Overall good advice, however, do not assume the Alero and Grand Am interiors and center consoles are the same. There is no shifter boot covering the shift knob so steps 2 & 3 are not necessary. Thanks for contributing to the forum.

Okay, I feel a little like I just got my knuckles wrapped with a ruler. Does everything else co-inside with the alero?

actually 3 does apply, just without the mention of the boot.

To replace the ebrake handle you'll need to remove the console. About 16 torx screws. :(