Elise Shifter Recall - Page 3 - LotusTalk

MERLIN · 01-17-2006, 05:15 PM

The instructions in the bulletin clearly indicate that a new shift knob (with a set screw I assume), along with the larger round shaft, is part of the recall replacement.

Stan · 01-17-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxotic

Will this result in the need to get a new shift knob too?
Dont some of the newer shifters have different thread patterns for the knobs depending upon when they were made? I thought the older ones were smaller and screwed on and newer ones were larger and went on with a set screw.

I'm sure they will add or include a shift knob if you'd wind up without one. Can't do a safety recall and then send you out on the road with a sturdy, pointy shaft in the middle of your car!!! I imagine they will just provide the stock new design shift knob with the set screw if you'd wind up knobless. The newer knobs seem to have a coarser feel to the engraved markings on top. Filling them in with paint smoothes that out nicely. New design knob:

Stan · 01-17-2006, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdHahn

Does this mean the new shafts will accept the original shift knob?

ed

No. The new shaft (version 5) has a different thread than the version 3 levers, which = most of the problem levers and which have no set screw on the knobs. There are some set screw knobs on hex levers. Forget the knob threading there. Lotus is likely to have ONE solution which I'd guess would be one round lever with aluminum knob with setscrew. If you bought a Lotus or aftermarket knob that only fits the early shaft? Not sure if you are outta luck there, good question.

Stan · 01-17-2006, 05:37 PM

How-to and samples of painted shift knobs:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...int+shift+knob

TimMullen · 01-17-2006, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxotic

Will this result in the need to get a new shift knob too?
Don't some of the newer shifters have different thread patterns for the knobs depending upon when they were made? I thought the older ones were smaller and screwed on and newer ones were larger and went on with a set screw.

I believe the the knobs themselves are the same size - just that the hole to screw them on has been made larger. It should feel the same.

As for the set screw, it's my impression that the knob still screw on the shaft. Once screwed on, the set screw is tightened to keep the knob from rotating. It's much easier to line up the "label" on the top of the knob that way. The old way, you could end up with the label "upside down", and you would either have to unscrew it a half turn, of tighten it up very tight to get it to turn another half turn...

But I'm also worried about the hole in the side for the set screw - I have a problem with finding "imperfections" like that with my finger tips, and then become obsessed with it. I might end up constantly rubbing the set screw hole with my finger...

MattG · 01-17-2006, 07:15 PM

Bummer about the knob...I like the smooth feel of the shift knob the way it is now, and like Tim, I think I'll become obsessed with the set screw in the new one.

David · 01-17-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMullen

But I'm also worried about the hole in the side for the set screw - I have a problem with finding "imperfections" like that with my finger tips, and then become obsessed with it. I might end up constantly rubbing the set screw hole with my finger...

Although I hate to fess up to something that sounds as kinky as this, I have the same obsession. Is there any way to smooth over the hole?

ChrisB · 01-17-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Although I hate to fess up to something that sounds as kinky as this, I have the same obsession. Is there any way to smooth over the hole?

Fill it with wax? That should make it smooth, yet easy to remove should you need to get to the set screw.

cjcamejo · 01-17-2006, 08:50 PM

So has anybody called a dealer yet? HRM even? I meant to do it this morning but forgot all about it.

Eyelise · 01-17-2006, 08:52 PM

Tried last week. My service manager called Lotus USA. He said the official word thus far is no recall.

David · 01-17-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcamejo

So has anybody called a dealer yet? HRM even? I meant to do it this morning but forgot all about it.

We're waiting for Lotustech to call us.

cjcamejo · 01-17-2006, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyelise

Tried last week. My service manager called Lotus USA. He said the official word thus far is no recall.

Drat. I have a hex shifter and I'm driving from CT to FL and back in a few days. It would be really nice to get the shifter taken care of before I go. I'd hate to have it break in hillbilly country halfway there.

celling · 01-18-2006, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

We're waiting for Lotustech to call us.

I called the local Lotus dealer Monday morning. They had not been informed of the recall yet. The Service Tech told me he would give me a call as soon as they hear something, or they are able to replace my shifter. Although they were not yet up to speed, they were very helpful, and willing to get things replaced as soon as they can.
Chet

Surferjer · 01-18-2006, 05:18 AM

Just an FYI, but my shifter knob just screws on. To take it off I would simply screw it counterclockwise. It looks like I'll get a shiny new one with the new shaft. Shafts and knobs-resisting resisting...

911EATER · 01-18-2006, 06:09 AM

Anyone have a picture of what the new shift Knob looks like?

Stan · 01-18-2006, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911EATER

Anyone have a picture of what the new shift Knob looks like?

See post 43 above. That is the latest knob, embellished with paint in the shift pattern.

Eyelise · 01-18-2006, 08:11 AM

I just painted mine that way and now I'll likely never get to use it. Oh well it only took 5 min.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan

See post 43 above. That is the latest knob, embellished with paint in the shift pattern.

EdHahn · 01-18-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcamejo

Drat. I have a hex shifter and I'm driving from CT to FL and back in a few days. It would be really nice to get the shifter taken care of before I go. I'd hate to have it break in hillbilly country halfway there.

Carry a set of locking pliers, and you won't get stranded at least.

ed

Ridgemanron · 01-18-2006, 02:02 PM

If you purchased a leather shift knob from Lotus,
we're not talking aftermarket, Lotus should replace
that type of knob for the one that no longer fits
on the new gearshift. At worst, they should allow
you to buy it at 'cost'.

67veloce · 01-20-2006, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjcamejo

So has anybody called a dealer yet? HRM even? I meant to do it this morning but forgot all about it.

I talked to Criswell a few days ago and they are aware of the recall although there is not a final "go" form Lotus. My car is there for other work and hopefully it can happen before I get it back. If it is another week or so I will just schedule sometime in the spring. I doubt that I will drive it much before spring.

01-17-2006, 05:15 PM	#41 (permalink)
MERLIN Fulfilled @ Last AR Elite Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Lotus-land (Upstate NY) Posts: 285	The instructions in the bulletin clearly indicate that a new shift knob (with a set screw I assume), along with the larger round shaft, is part of the recall replacement. __________________ Member, AR ELITE a.k.a. Lotus-Eater (one who loses all desire for earthly pursuits or memory of family and home, whose only desire is to live in bliss in Lotus-land) 2005 Elise: Ardent red, touring, biscuit, starshield 2006 WRX wagon (CGM) with short shifter 1999 10th Anniversary Miata (for sale, 25K miles) 1990 Miata (sold) 1985 MR2 (sold) 1976 MG Midget and 1971 TR6

01-17-2006, 07:15 PM	#46 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	Bummer about the knob...I like the smooth feel of the shift knob the way it is now, and like Tim, I think I'll become obsessed with the set screw in the new one. __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

01-18-2006, 05:18 AM	#54 (permalink)
Surferjer No more cone damage! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Exton, PA Posts: 8,877	Just an FYI, but my shifter knob just screws on. To take it off I would simply screw it counterclockwise. It looks like I'll get a shiny new one with the new shaft. Shafts and knobs-resisting resisting... __________________ Jer-2005 Elise (retired from autox) 1993 MR2 autox car 2002 Ford Excursion DIESEL 4 X 4 1993 Miata (throwout bearing or clutch failure) 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Lemons car (needs new head) 1984 Chevy Citation Lemons car (needs a motor)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-17-2006, 05:37 PM	#44 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,927	How-to and samples of painted shift knobs: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...int+shift+knob

01-17-2006, 08:50 PM	#49 (permalink)
cjcamejo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 180	So has anybody called a dealer yet? HRM even? I meant to do it this morning but forgot all about it.

01-17-2006, 08:52 PM	#50 (permalink)
Eyelise Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mass Posts: 1,129	Tried last week. My service manager called Lotus USA. He said the official word thus far is no recall.

01-18-2006, 06:09 AM	#55 (permalink)
911EATER Porsche convert Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 341	Anyone have a picture of what the new shift Knob looks like?

01-18-2006, 02:02 PM	#59 (permalink)
Ridgemanron Ridge Man Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,268	If you purchased a leather shift knob from Lotus, we're not talking aftermarket, Lotus should replace that type of knob for the one that no longer fits on the new gearshift. At worst, they should allow you to buy it at 'cost'.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)