Shift Lever: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
REMOVE SHIFT LEVER KNOB SUB-ASSEMBLY
1. Shift lever into the N position.
2. Remove the shift lever knob sub-assembly.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Shift Lever Knob Sub-Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE POSITION INDICATOR HOUSING ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the position indicator housing assembly, by carefully pulling up in the gate.
  NOTE: Do not push down or damage the slide cover.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Position Indicator Housing Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE BUTTON COVER
1. Using a screwdriver, remove the shift lock release button cover from the position indicator housing assembly.
REMOVE CONSOLE PANEL SUB-ASSEMBLY UPPER (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE CONSOLE BOX CARPET
REMOVE CONSOLE BOX ASSEMBLY (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE CONSOLE BOX FRONT (See REMOVAL )

Fig 3: Identifying Shift Lock Release Button Cover
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE TRANSMISSION CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY
1. Disconnect the transmission control cable assembly from the transmission floor shift assembly.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Transmission Floor Shift Assembly
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE TRANSMISSION FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the 4 bolts.
2. Disconnect the 2 connectors and remove the transmission floor shift assembly.
  
  Fig 5: Locating Transmission Floor Shift Assembly Bolts
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002