2 days ago, in a parking lot, I started to put my 6-speed in reverse. To my surprise, as I pulled upwards, the entire gearshift **** and boot assembly flew off! The **** and boot hit the headliner and I nearly had an accident. It was like opening the can of peanut brittle and the snake pops out. Man.

Mind you I've never done steroids and was never bitten by a radioactive spider, this was not a matter of brute strength overcoming an otherwise solid piece.

I recalled seeing something about this on this board having to do with retaining clips (but haven't been able to re-locate it, only mightyjlr's post about Service Action #03-013). After staring dumfounded at the bare stick (and the shifter innards underneath) for a few, I was able to get the **** on good enough to operate.

Yesterday my tech confirmed he was able to "duplicate the problem." Trouble is, they performed the Service Action #03-013
supplemental deal, according to their records, while this was on the floor. So, having done what Chrysler recommends, they are mystified.

Anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions that don't involve duct tape or JB Weld?:lol:

It seems only to happen in reverse so it's not too frequent -- and it hasn't happened since, but mainly because I now approach Reverse like I am about to de-activate a land mine. The danger is that when it happens it is shocking, and in a tight situation where a driver is not thinking about this, say parallel-parking downtown, or backing into a space, it will happen again and the slight delay in reaction time will make one bang into a car behind, or a light post or something.