09-15 CTS-V Short Shifter

Removal of OEM Shifter

1. Chock the wheels and/or set the e-brake.
2. From the driver seat, pry the wood-grain or carbon-fiber trim panels off both sides of the center console (start at the rear by the cup holder and work toward the dash). Remove the two screws hidden behind them.
3. Pull up on both sides of the e-brake trim near the rear, then push in the tabs underneath to release the shift boot. Pull the shift knob straight up — it takes some force, so keep your face clear.
4. Slide both seats fully back, pull down the carpet next to the console, and remove the screws holding the front of the console (use a ratchet + extension + socket).
5. Slide both seats fully forward and repeat for the rear console screws.
6. Remove the sound deadening foam above the shifter, then lift the rear of the console and pull it backward to free it from the dash.
7. Either disconnect the battery and unplug the e-brake / wiring, or carefully work around the console while it is lifted slightly.
8. Remove the four screws holding the shifter to the cast aluminum bracket and the four nuts holding the bracket to the underbody (a plastic tab over one stud lifts off by hand). Pull the bracket out.
9. Pull the rubber shield off the shifter. The shifter has a top half and bottom half — the Creative Steel shifter replaces the top half. Remove the four bolts joining the halves and lift off the OEM top half.
10. Inspect the rear bushing on the bottom half (black plastic piece off the rear). If the two screws on each side are loose, apply Loctite and re-tighten.
11. Check the coupler in front of the shifter (13mm head). Tighten if loose to eliminate side-to-side play.

Install the Creative Steel Shifter

1. Assemble the three CS pieces (anodized pivot housing, ~1.5" stainless vibration isolator, and your chosen stick) using the supplied blue Loctite. Tighten — but don't go Hulk; the 6mm screw torque spec is only 44 in-lbs.
2. Place the CS shifter onto the OEM bottom half with the vibration isolator toward the rear. Start the screws by hand to avoid cross-threading, then snug with the wrench (do not over-tighten).
3. Set the bracket back over the four studs, ensuring the plastic tab is above the bracket and back on its stud. Tighten the nuts, then lift the shifter stick and reinstall the four screws into the bracket. Push the rubber boot down into the groove of the vibration isolator.
4. Reconnect any wiring, push the console back into place, work the carpet around the ears, and reinstall all six console screws.
5. Reinstall the sound-deadening foam, e-brake trim, and side panels.
6. OEM knob: press the knob onto the stick, then click the boot back into the console (front first, then rear).
7. Threaded knob: turn the boot inside out, carefully compress the two ears (they break easily) to slide the retaining ring off the OEM knob, reseat the boot, then thread on your jam nut and knob and tighten.