Manual Gearshift 'leather' Cracking...

[Lightning]

Hi all,

I dropped something in the depressions in the 'leather' surrounding the gearshift yesterday and, while fishing it out, I noticed that the 'leather' is cracking and splitting at the creases in several areas. The more I looked, the more pissed off I became. Geez, is this a $19,990K car or a $50K car? Anyone else found this?

I guess I'll ask it to be replaced when I put it in for a service and also ask them to replace the sunroof seal (the felt's weating off and the wind noise is getting louder), fix (again) the shhh, shhh noise from the park brake and replace the pads on the premiums for ones that don't squeal.

Simon....

[mickq]

Hi all,

I dropped something in the depressions in the 'leather' surrounding the gearshift yesterday and, while fishing it out, I noticed that the 'leather' is cracking and splitting at the creases in several areas.  The more I looked, the more pissed off I became.  Geez, is this a $19,990K car or a $50K car?  Anyone else found this?

I guess I'll ask it to be replaced when I put it in for a service and also ask them to replace the sunroof seal (the felt's weating off and the wind noise is getting louder), fix (again) the shhh, shhh noise from the park brake and replace the pads on the premiums for ones that don't squeal.

Simon....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I had the same issue around 15k mark. Pointed it out and it was replaced during the service. At 30k now and same issue hasnt come back.

Must admit when I examined it all closely where it was cracking/peeling, it became apparent its very cheap material made to look good!

[Lightning]

Thanks, yes that's why I put 'leather' in quotes, it looks like the typical cheap vinyl made to look like leather.

Will get it attended to.

[Ian]

Leather is ok but the chrome cap with the shift pattern on is looking very ordinary. Dull and tarnished, hopefully get it sorted at 30 000 service

[XR6PSI]

mates XR6 ute (mk1) has had his replaced. ford tried telling him he caused excessive wear.??????? he told him to shove it and asked for manager. He got his new one. No dramas since.

[BlueXR6Turbo]

I've had mine replaced twice now.

I dare say it will keep happening. When warranty has run out and it happens again, I'll probably get it replaced with something decent that shouldn't wear so easily.

[JB]

Mine cracked and was replaced when they cahnged the box, replaced the whole thing gearnob surround etc.

[jetute]

Mine cracked and was replaced when they cahnged the box, replaced the whole thing gearnob surround etc.

mine was replaced aswell (under warranty) replaced everything, gearknob surrounds and all.

[SOON2BXR6T]

Mine split at about the 10-11 o'clock position and was replaced under warranty. 2 months later split again same spot and got it fixed again. Dealer muttered something about a bad batch!

[jetute]

Mine split at about the 10-11 o'clock position and was replaced under warranty. 2 months later split again same spot and got it fixed again.  Dealer muttered something about a bad batch!

same spot as mine