2014/2015 AT Shift Knob replacement?

[Marconelly]

As an owner of a new 2015 Mazda 3 S, I've been very happy with everything, save for a mild annoyance of the shift knob. The release button on the AT knob is placed in such a way that it's pretty easy to get your finger pinched with it. In about a week of driving it, I've managed to already pinch myself 3-4 times with it. Other than that, I'm not too happy about the plasticy feeling of the knob in general, so I was wondering if there are any replacements for it, and how difficult would be to remove the existing one?

 

[concept]

Frankly, I'm amazed that you pinch your fingers at all. I've had my 3S for 5 months and have not once pinched my finger(s).

 

[Marconelly]

Frankly, I'm amazed that you pinch your fingers at all. I've had my 3S for 5 months and have not once pinched my finger(s).

I have a feeling that if the gap where the release button rotates back and forth was just half a millimeter smaller, the pinching couldn't happen. It is entirely possible that due to manufacturing tolerances of these things, I ended up having the shifter where this gap is a tiny bit larger than usual.

 

[concept]

That may be something that qualifies for replacement under warranty. I would point it out to the dealer.