OK. I searched online with the CCP (Central Control Panel) part number, avoiding eBay, where there are 3 units only, @ $250-$300. When a new one can be purchased a bit more than $500, why pay &300 for a questionable used one...
I found several, offering the part ~$100. One of them offered up to 1 year warranty, for additional $15, which I obviously grabbed!!!
I failed in removing the shit knob. That son of a gun refused to move out, no matter where I sat or how hard I tried pulling. I had my cruise control done at the dealership under extended warranty (unfortunately the DIS wasn't covered), so I asked them to pull it out, which they did, at no charge!!! Removing the DVD cover first and then the top of the console, was relatively easy, with a pro "prying" tool kit I got at AutoZone for $10. When removing the DVD cover, just stick/push the toll on the left side, and the cover with pop out, and the rest of it can be removed by hand. I then tried pulling the console's top by hand, from under the DVD side, and it popped out on one side, then with the prying tools, pooped the rest. At this point you should disconnect the harness from the driver-seat heating/cooling button. Also, press the Start button twice (NOT TURNING THE CAR ON!!!!!), press the brake and then move the shifter to the N or D position. The the only way to pull the cover above the shifter stick. When it's out, press the brake again, move the shifter back to P and turn the car off. DO NOT MASS WITH CABLES WHEN THE CAR IS ON!!!!!. Disconnect the harness from the CCP (press a samll lever on one side of the connector). Now turn the whole cover upside down. The are 3 seen philips screws to unsrew. The 4th is hidden by a light connector, so you should remove that connector's clip, exposing the screw. Once all 4 screws are out, replace with the working CCP and reverse the whole process.
At the dealership part+tax=$1K + 3 hours. I paid $150, including shipping and now, IT WORKS GREAT!!!