Shifter Boot

This procedure covers removal and installation of the gear shifter boot on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9 with manual or Touchtronic automatic transmission, requiring partial center console trim disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Gear shifter boot × 1 — Use OEM specification for DB9
• Trim panel clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Allow interior to cool if vehicle was recently operated (to avoid discomfort working near transmission tunnel)
4. Prepare clean workspace for storing removed trim panels to avoid scratching leather or veneer surfaces

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove gear selector surround trim panel
   The shifter boot is retained beneath the gear selector surround trim panel. Gently pry up the rear edge of the leather-wrapped trim surround using a plastic trim tool, starting at the rear corners. The surround is secured by several retaining clips around its perimeter (exact count to be confirmed against OEM documentation for this specific vehicle). Work around the edges carefully to release all clips, then lift the surround upward and away from the center console. Disconnect any illumination wiring if present on vehicles with illuminated shift pattern plates. Note: The surround is secured by several retaining clips around its perimeter; verify the exact clip count and locations against Aston Martin service documentation before prying. Note: The surround is secured by several retaining clips around its perimeter (verify exact count against OEM documentation for your specific variant).
2. 2

   Access shifter boot retaining ring
   With the surround removed, the shifter boot and its retaining ring are now visible. The boot is typically secured to the console by a plastic or metal retaining ring that fits into a groove in the console opening. Inspect the assembly to identify whether the ring uses Torx fasteners or if it's a press-fit friction ring (exact fastener type, size, and count to be confirmed against OEM documentation for this specific vehicle). For screw-retained rings, remove the fasteners and place in magnetic tray. For press-fit rings, note the orientation before removal. Note: Inspect the assembly to identify how the ring is retained — it may use small Torx or Phillips screws, or it may be a press-fit friction ring. Verify the exact fastener type and count against Aston Martin service documentation before removal. Note: Inspect the assembly to identify whether the ring uses Torx fasteners or if it's a press-fit friction ring (confirm fastener type and Torx size against OEM documentation before proceeding).
3. 3

   Remove shifter knob (if necessary)
   If the boot is attached to the shifter knob or if clearance is insufficient to slide the boot over the knob, the knob must be removed. The DB9 shifter knob attachment method varies by variant (manual vs Touchtronic) and may be threaded, friction-fit, or retained by a set screw/locking collar. Inspect the knob base and verify the exact attachment method and any fastener size against Aston Martin service documentation before attempting removal. Once loosened, unscrew the knob completely and set aside. Note: DB9 shifter knob attachment method must be verified for this vehicle. If threaded, grip the knob firmly and rotate counterclockwise while preventing the shift lever from rotating. If a locking collar or set screw is present at the base, remove the retaining screw (confirm exact type and size against OEM documentation) before attempting removal. Note: Some models may use a locking collar or set screw at the base—inspect for a set screw before attempting to unthread (confirm presence, type, and fastener size against OEM documentation).
4. 4

   Detach boot from retaining ring
   The boot material is typically attached to the retaining ring with a clamping band, adhesive, or sewn attachment. If clamped, locate the band tension point (often a spring clamp or hose clamp-style fastener) and release it using a small flathead screwdriver or pliers. If adhered, carefully work around the perimeter to separate the boot from the ring. Note the orientation and attachment method for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove old shifter boot
   Slide the old boot upward off the shift lever (or downward if the knob was removed). Inspect the shift lever for any retaining clips or snap rings that may secure the boot's upper attachment point. On some variants, the boot may also attach to a lower bracket on the transmission tunnel—if present, release any clips or fasteners securing the lower edge. Remove the boot completely and inspect the shift mechanism for debris or wear.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Clean the retaining ring groove in the console and the shift lever surface with a lint-free cloth. Remove any old adhesive residue if the previous boot was glued. Inspect the console opening and retaining ring for cracks or damage. Check that all mounting points are free of debris that could prevent proper seating of the new boot.
7. 7

   Install new shifter boot onto lever
   Slide the new boot onto the shift lever from the bottom (or top if knob is removed), ensuring it is oriented correctly with any stitching or branding facing the intended direction. If the boot has a lower attachment point to the transmission tunnel bracket, secure it with the appropriate clips or fasteners now. Ensure the boot material is not twisted and sits naturally on the lever.
8. 8

   Attach boot to retaining ring
   Attach the upper edge of the new boot to the retaining ring using the original attachment method. For clamped boots, stretch the boot material over the ring and secure with the clamping band, ensuring even tension around the circumference. For adhesive attachment, apply appropriate trim adhesive sparingly and allow to become tacky before pressing the boot onto the ring. Verify the boot is seated evenly with no wrinkles or gaps.
9. 9

   Reinstall shifter knob (if removed)
   If the shifter knob was removed, thread it back onto the shift lever by rotating clockwise. Hand-tighten firmly until the knob reaches the desired height and orientation. If a locking collar or set screw is present, tighten the retaining screw (verify exact type and size against service documentation) to secure the knob position. Verify the knob is secure and does not rotate under normal shifting force.
10. 10

    Install retaining ring into console
    Position the boot and retaining ring assembly into the console opening, aligning the ring with its mounting groove or screw holes. For screw-retained rings, reinstall the original fasteners (verify exact type and count against service documentation) and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping without distorting the ring. Do not overtighten. For press-fit rings, press firmly around the perimeter until the ring fully seats into the groove with an audible click at each clip location.
11. 11

    Reinstall gear selector surround trim
    If disconnected, reconnect any illumination wiring harness to the underside of the trim surround. Position the surround over the shifter boot assembly, aligning the mounting clips with their receptacles in the console. Press down firmly around the perimeter, starting at the front and working rearward, until all 4 clips engage with an audible snap. Verify the surround is flush and even with the surrounding console surface.
    Torque spec

    Trim Panel Clips2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify boot operation and appearance
    With the parking brake still engaged, cycle the gear selector through all gear positions (for the 6-speed manual) to verify the boot moves smoothly without binding or excessive wrinkling to verify the boot moves smoothly without binding or excessive wrinkling. Check that the boot material does not interfere with shifter movement and that the retaining ring remains secure. Inspect the finished appearance for proper alignment and even seating of all trim pieces. Note: cycle the gear selector through its full range of travel (for manual transmission vehicles, move through all gear positions; for Touchtronic automatic vehicles equipped with a lever, cycle through its available positions)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trim panel clips are fully engaged and the surround trim sits flush with no gaps
2. Verify shifter knob is secure and oriented correctly if it was removed
3. Test all gear selector positions to confirm smooth operation with no binding from the new boot

Verification

• Cycle gear selector through all positions multiple times to verify smooth operation without interference
• Visually inspect the boot for even seating, proper tension, and absence of wrinkles or binding
• Check that all console trim panels are flush and securely clipped with no rattles or movement
• Verify any illuminated shift pattern or surround lighting functions correctly if applicable

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