Cleaning under AT select lever

[Drive Away]

I just bought a used, well-maintained (under the hood) '06 Subaru Outback wagon. It's all good except for a really awful cleaning problem. The previous owners had kids and I don't know how they even did it, but there is all kinds of food gunk on the horizontal piece of plastic that shifts up and down when you move the AT select lever from Park to Drive, etc. It's absolutely disgusting and each shift reveals more of the awful stuff. I'm not sure that is something even professional detailers can access to clean. Do I have to take it to a mechanic so s/he can disassemble it for cleaning? Anyone have information on how I could safely take it apart myself enough to get in there and clean?

Thanks for your help.

[jschue22]

I wonder if you would gain access by removing the trim pieces. In the radio replacement instructions it lists how to remove the trim around the shifter. Maybe removing those pieces (and a few more?) you would gain access. Here's the instructions:

http://www.jazzyengineering.com/Inst...Manual_1-2.pdf

[Euchre]

My car is a gen. earlier, but chances are your best bet is taking apart the center console. I did it to mine, because of the amount of spilled liquid turned goo. The plastic insert on mine was already trashed because it had gotten stuck and slipped out of phase with the shifter location. The obstructing plastic was being gradually cut away. I just took the remainder out and cleaned up the rest of the goo and kipple that had accumulated around the area.

[Peaty]

I had the same issue with the OB-W we just got for my son. They had three little boys. It's amazing the amount of stuff that was trashed. I ended up taking the front seats out so I could us a steam cleaner (spot bot) to do the carpet and seats. I had to disassemble the console to remove the dessicated French fries, coins and toy army men. I went through a lot of Simple Green and paper towels. An old tooth brush helps too.

[Drive Away]

Thanks so much! Those photos are really clear and I'm glad they gave the tip to wrap the screwdriver. I will be out there tomorrow morning ready to attack!

[Drive Away]

Thanks a bunch! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who has had this fleeting, but ugly problem. I sure hope those kids were cute!