Hi, please excuse my total lack of car knowledge. I've looked online here and at videos explaining how to replace the gear shift knob.
I purchased the car all banged up. The gear shift knob is broken and you have to stick a key in the front to change gears (to go from park to reverse, though you can go from reverse to drive without any issues). It isn't the biggest problem, but makes a 3-point turn pretty awkward! The front bit on the knob is gone, giving access to where I'm guessing a button once was?
So I have looked up the method to changing out the shifter knob, but as I look at different ones online I'm seeing terms like "gated shifter" which I can't seem to find good info on. Will a gated shifter fit my car?
I don't fully understand why my shifter does this in the first place! Any ideas?

 

I don't think you can get just the knob.

If you have the "key stuck in ignition" there is an extended warranty available from a GM dealership shop. Otherwise it is paying for a new shifter assembly and installation.

Well, I looked at eBay and I'm wrong. This is one of many listings: New GM Auto Floor Shifter Handle 2005 10 Cobalt 07 10 Pont G5 06 11 HHR 22706232 | eBay

I typed "shift knob" into the search box at the top center of this page and found this thread among others about replacement : https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...tomatic-15234/

 

Yeah I know it's possible to replace just the knob, but I guess my question is, can I install a custom knob? Like one you can get on Amazon? Listings I see for these mention things like "gated shifters" and I have no clue what that means.

 

My guess is that you will have to install a factory knob like donbrew gave you a link for everything to work correctly.

Where in NC are you?

 

So then only manuals can install custom knobs? I've seen people on threads here say they have replaced automatics with custom knobs. But apparently there are different types?
I'm in Greensboro, NC.

 

That one is "custom", the button is black not chrome.

I have not got a clue if any after market vendors care enough to fit their product. You might try lying to the vendors; tell them you have a Cobalt. I think leather wrapped knobs are available.

Depends on how much custom work you are capable of and willing to do.

The second post has pictures of the mounting.

 

Page 4 post 39 starts the shifter mod and how to remove the stock shifter handle

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/pict...e-40395/page4/