Here is a set of directions I found way back from 2000:

"Look at the seam in the back of the chrome shaft and separate and remove it carefully. Now, put a baggy over the knob to contain flying parts. Put a crescent wrench under the knob and pound up, tapping it with a hammer. The knob will pop off."

This is the original thread: http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=319141

Not much else I can find. Bentley has nothing on the automatic lever removal.

Does anyone have anything to add to this procedure before I go prying delicate chrome pieces off?
At what point would I disconnect the OD relay switch wire? After getting the chrome off and before before the "tapping on knob with hammer?"