[manoverboard987]

i'll just post the auto howto just in case (and in case they wanna make this a sticky):

1. put your E-brake on (in case it slips into gear).
2. pull straight down on the collar attached to the bottom of the knob to detach it (see picture for clarification).
2. squeeze in on the button on the side.
4. pull straight up on knob with force (lots the first time). (watch out for your hand hitting the center console, too.)

re-install is exact reverse.