More 2002 C5 2.2HDi woes

[h2ocooler]

So after removing the FAP from my Dads car 2 weeks ago I get a phone call today saying its now stuck in park.
Tired to talk him through moving the pin but he could not do it (or see it)
So now I am booked on the ferry friday night to go and fix it for him.
Now the dreaded questions.
Does the gear knob just pull off and he tried and it would not budge, he says it just turns and turns.
How easy is it to replace the entire gear selector unit, I have got another one that will be with me friday complete with the cable (as he has been playing with the old one) but do I need to replace the cable or can I just repace the selector box?
Is it worth removing the selector lock from the new one "just in case" it is a ticking time bomb waiting to fail in a few weeks/months.
Rob

[Ben82]

From what I've read, it needs a hefty yank to get it off, as in risk of whacking yourself in the forehead with it kind of yank.

Documents for unlocking the shift lock, and replacing the gear selector unit over here:
https://mega.co.nz/#F!Q5MF1LxT!KpBwFChqSVR5AdqmW12qfg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[h2ocooler]

Thanks Ben82

[wheeler]

Has he done simple checks like fuses & see if the brake lights are working ? A faulty brake switch can cause it not to release from park.