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White lettering faded on Shift Lever

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  • #1

    White lettering faded on Shift Lever

    I cleaned my interior today using "Tuff Stuff" foam cleaner as I always do for the plastics. Unfortunately, for some reason it caused damage this time. The white lettering next to shift lever (P, R, N D5, D4) strangely faded and turned a bright green color on a few of them. Soap and water have no effect. See attached photo.

    Has anyone had this happen to them? What is this part even called from Ford, and is standard across all Ford's of the era (or just shared platform)? I assuming you have to remove the console to reach it, is there just a couple screws hidden?

    2005 MSB, 117k

    Thanks!

    Tim
    1 Photo
    Tags: None
  • #2
    My daughter had that happen on her 2008 Toyota Prius some years ago. She was upset that the lettering was fading and chipping. She had an extended warranty at the time. As I recall, the part was no longer available so they actually paid a detailer to repaint the letters. Turned out pretty well. I never would have known it wasn't original.
    Last edited by BirdsAndBugs; Aug 6, 2018, 06:49 PM.

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    • #3
      I thought I was the only one with luck like that.

      Once, adjusting the airplane like tiny bulb used to more perfectly illuminate the dash from the roll bar on my Lotus Elite I pushed hard on the (too dry) red leather seat leather and put my hand right through.

      I suggest a wrecking yard as a fix. My sincere condolences.

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      • #4
        Many years ago I had a similar thing happen to lettering on instruments when using window cleaner. Since then I only use water dampened cloths to clean any interior parts, nothing with any sort of chemicals at all. If really dirty you might have to scrub a little more when only using water, but it has always worked for me.

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        • #5
          Tim, I have no help on how to correct this situation other than replacement, doubtful you will find a new one. The suggestion of a salvage yard would be a good start.

          I can help with the removal of the console. It has 2sctews hiden under the heated seat's switch panel. This little panel pops up & off. It takes some gentle prying from under the lower edge, then suddenly it pops loose.

          Once those 2 screws are removed the console pulls up. If you want to remove the shift knob you have to push the collar at the base of the knob down the shaft until you see the set screw, loosen it pull up on the knob.

          Hope this is helpful and best of luck.
          Mike

          sigpic

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          • #6
            I was just about to jump on this post and tell you a replacement part will fix that nicely. But after looking again at your photo and noticing your comment that it is an 05, I must change my approach to this response. My 02 console shift indicators faded away from age and cleaning, a few scratches too from throwing keys on the console (not me...previous owner). But your shift pattern on the 05 is much different than my 02. It is an easy fix if you can find the replacement. Good luck!
            Pensacola, FL
            02 Whisper White

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            • #7
              Thinking that a sign shop could probably make something up.

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              • #8
                It's not the white lettering going away, it's the black background pealing away. Only way to fix it is to pull the glass out and repainting it with black paint or just using a magic marker and blacking out the clear spots on the surface.

                I have no idea what causes it to turn green.
                They are Here. Scotty, beam me up!
                IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
                Visit the TBN Store

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                • #9
                  Turned green with envy?

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                  • #10
                    Paint the background black and head to your local office supply store for something like these letter sheets - 3/8" to 1/2":

                    https://smile.amazon.com/Permanent-s...+sticker+3%2F8

                    https://smile.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pho...+sticker+3%2F8
                    Quickdraw
                    Raccoon Lodge Administrator

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                    • #11
                      Stick on stuff! Really?
                      I can't believe you would mention a fix like this.
                      Mike

                      sigpic

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by steelblue5505 View Post
                        Stick on stuff! Really?
                        I can't believe you would mention a fix like this.
                        If a decal isn't acceptable to you, perhaps protected with a clear coating, then I can't believe you are a LaPhil fan boy so we are even.
                        Quickdraw
                        Raccoon Lodge Administrator

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                        • #13
                          Just cover it with black electrical tape.

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                          • #14
                            Or just leave it alone and not screw with it any further.

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                            • #15
                              Appreciate the thoughts and tips! I'll scope out some wrecking yards in the area.

                              This seems like the universe telling me to switch it to a manual transmission.... Sucks they only offered stick on the V6 in the LS

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