Typically the shifter knobs on manual vehicles, unscrew counter-clockwise. On some vehicles however, the shift knob maybe glued on and may simply "slip off" Although typically the knob has been affixed with a "thread locker" and may take some force to remove.
remove it
The 1987 Pontiac Trans Am shifter knob is held in place with a retaining clip below the shifter knob. Push the retaining clip together and the shifter knob will raise off.
The shifter knob on a 1995 Chevy Cavalier is thread on. To remove it just spin the knob counter clockwise until it comes off.
Remove shift release button off the top of the shifter, inside there is a small snap ring. Remove the snap ring and lift the shifter knob off.
Slide down the chrome trim at the base of the shifter knob and you will see an Allen wrench set screw. slack off that screw and the shifter knob will come off
The gear shifter has a retaining clip, just below the shifter knob. Hold the retaining clip in, on both sides of the shifter rod, and the shifter knob will come off.
twist the old knob off and follow the diractions on the new shifter knob
Pretty simple, there is a black turn knob at the bottom of the shifter, just turn this knob counter-clockwise to loosen, then you pull the shifter knob straight up and off.
You should just unscrew it off the shifter. It might be on there tight, but it should just screw off. I put the stock shifter knob on my B&M short throw shifter
I asked the dealer this same question and the answer is, it doesn't come off. The only way to replace the knob is cutting it off. Actually, to remove the shifter knob on a 2001 Saturn SC2, all you have to do is pull it straight off the shaft. It does not twist or turn. Just pull it straight off. No need to cut it. You shouldn't even need any tools.
Pull straight up. It will pop off. You can also use a dowel rod, or somthing to that extent to tap it off. Good luck.
with a hammer