Here is a mini-guide of how to remove the gearknob on a Phase 2 (2001 – 2004) Volvo S40 / V40. Older gearknobs differ and the procedure is different.

So here we go:

First of all, lift up and remove the rubber MAT

Unclip these 2 clips (by pushing both of them inwards) and lift the plastic base

You will need to gently unclip the four clips pointed by the yellow arrows. The lower two bits pointed by the green arrow are not clips, but just holding the lot together. A lot of people have broken some of this clips by trying to unclip it from that end.

You need to push in this clip as well as the one on the other side at the same time and gently push down the gaiter and the its plastic ring. I used by leatherman to press the lower part of these clips. Any large pliers will do too

Close up of the clips. You need to push the lower bit, as the top part needs to be releases

Push the gaiter with the plastic ring downwards (yellow arrow) and then use a flat blade screwdriver to lift the clip pointed by the green arrow. There is one more clip on the other side, so you will need to use another screwdriver. While lifting both clips a tiny bit outwards, just lift the gearknob

and you are done

Close up of the gearknob and the gearknob stick

This tutorial was contributed to www.volvohowto.com by it’s author “gatos”. Original posted in Volvo Owners Club Forum

The instructions in this tutorial will work in the following models / years:

– 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Volvo S40
– 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Volvo v40