manual shift lever rotates - how to fix???
 

An initial search didn't reveal any threads on what my problem could be.

Car in question is a manual transmission W201. I noticed today after my tennis match that the shift lever rotates around its longitudinal axis where it never did that before. For example, you can grab the grip and "spin" it around. Of course, I didn't spin it at all, and the only thing that seems to hold it from spinning too much is the boot. I was very careful about its position for fear of having to call the AAA.

Is this something that is simple and fairly easy to fix, or do I need to take the car into the mechanic. Did a lock set screw come loose, or something? Thanks for any help you can offer.

There should be a nut that locks the shift lever under the boot, you need to remove switch tray, lift the boot, hold lever in position and tighten the nut.

Thank you. I should be able to handle that, but, how do I pry up the switch tray? I'm always afraid of cracking the wood, so have never messed with it. Is it safe to drive until I can get to it tonight or tomorrow?

FOLLOW-UP - fixed
 

Note: No need to remove the wood console to tighten the shift lever. Just pull up the vinyl boot, inverting it, and the 15mm locking nut is just below the black "rubber" shift knob, near the top part of the vinyl boot, (when in the "deployed" position). Just hold the shift knob with your left hand and tighten the nut with your right hand, then re-invert the boot to "normal" position and replace. Fixed!