I think something fell through the shifter gate because when I brake or accelerate it can be heard sliding back and forth in there. How does one safely remove the wood and chrome trim plate surrounding the shifter? I would hate to damage it.

 

Just prise up at the edge of the wood all around.

It is just pushed into clips-use a plastic tool to be on the safe side if you wish.

I think you will find that does not help much since the J gate obviously does not move with the surround.

You may need long tweezers to remove item from the slot.

 

Thanks, I will give it a go, cautiously. Something is moving around in there and driving me crazy.