An embodiment method of operating a vehicle comprises detecting a first position of a shift lever, determining whether the first position of the shift lever is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and, in response to the first position of the shift lever being in the abnormal state, moving a detent portion of a housing relative to a contact portion of the shift lever in accordance with pre-stored position data..

An embodiment method of operating a vehicle comprises detecting a first position of a shift lever, determining whether the first position of the shift lever is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and, in response to the first position of the shift lever being in the abnormal state, moving a detent portion of a housing relative to a contact portion of the shift lever in accordance with pre-stored position data..

A shifter detent plate configured to be installed within the shifter assembly of an automatic transmission has a shifter arm attached to a shifter handle to operably control gear shifting of an automatic transmission. The shifter detent plate has an upper stop surface positioned to enable slap shifting from first gear to second gear, and from second gear to third gear.

A shifter detent plate configured to be installed within the shifter assembly of an automatic transmission has a shifter arm attached to a shifter handle to operably control gear shifting of an automatic transmission. The shifter detent plate has an upper stop surface positioned to enable slap shifting from first gear to second gear, and from second gear to third gear.

A vehicle shifter assembly having a housing rotatably supporting a monostable toggle knob accessible to a vehicle operator. A processor enabled printed circuit board is incorporated into the housing and, upon actuation of the knob, instructs a gear shift condition to a display component. The housing can be incorporated into any of a variety of locations accessible to the vehicle operator, including being integrated into the steering wheel so that, and upon rotation of the wheel, the housing or display is continuously reoriented so as to maintain an upright position as viewed by the operator.

A rotary shifter having a knob bi-directionally and biasingly supported upon a housing in a monostable and return-to-center orientation. A printed circuit board assembly is incorporated into the housing and includes a sensor and a processor. A spur gear is rotatably supported within the housing and actuated by the knob, the spur gear supporting a magnet in proximity to the sensor. Rotation of the knob causing rotational displacement of the magnet relative to the sensor in order for the processor to instruct a change in shifter position. The knob incorporating a graphical display for indicating a current shifter position of the assembly.

A rotary shifter having a knob bi-directionally and biasingly supported upon a housing in a monostable and return-to-center orientation. A printed circuit board assembly is incorporated into the housing and includes a sensor and a processor. A spur gear is rotatably supported within the housing and actuated by the knob, the spur gear supporting a magnet in proximity to the sensor. Rotation of the knob causing rotational displacement of the magnet relative to the sensor in order for the processor to instruct a change in shifter position. The knob incorporating a graphical display for indicating a current shifter position of the assembly.

A steering column assembly that includes an upper jacket and a gear shift assembly. The upper jacket extends along a steering column axis. The gear shift assembly includes a shift assembly bracket and shift shaft assembly. The shift assembly bracket has a column mounting portion that is operatively connected to the upper jacket and a cradle portion extends from the column mounting portion. The cradle portion has a first sidewall and a second sidewall each extending from a base. The shift shaft assembly extends at least partially through the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

A steering column assembly that includes an upper jacket and a gear shift assembly. The upper jacket extends along a steering column axis. The gear shift assembly includes a shift assembly bracket and shift shaft assembly. The shift assembly bracket has a column mounting portion that is operatively connected to the upper jacket and a cradle portion extends from the column mounting portion. The cradle portion has a first sidewall and a second sidewall each extending from a base. The shift shaft assembly extends at least partially through the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

A rotary shift knob having a telescopic structure including a knob and a housing that are secured together to move axially and pivotally relative to each other within a limited range in either direction. The knob and housing are moved axially relative to each other to shift into the park position from the other positions. The inner and outer members are pivoted relative to each other to shift between reverse, neutral and drive positions. The knob is connected by a shaft to a piston that moves within a cavity defined by the housing.