2011 Acura TL BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Shift Cable Replacement

  1. Remove the center console (see CENTER CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION )
  2. Shift the shift lever to R
  3. Remove the nut securing the shift cable end
    Fig 1: Identifying Shift Cable End And Nut
    G05990929Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Unlock the retainer lock (A)
    Fig 2: Identifying Retainer Lock
    G05990930Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Rotate the socket holder retainer (A) counterclockwise (B) until it stops, and push the retainer lock (C) into the socket holder retainer to lock the retainer
    Fig 3: Rotating Socket Holder Retainer
    G05990931Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Slide the socket holder (A) away from the bracket as shown to remove the shift cable (B) from the socket holder bracket (C) Do not remove the shift cable by pulling the shift cable guide (D)
    Fig 4: Sliding Socket Holder From Bracket
    G05990932Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Do the battery removal procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION )
  8. Remove the air cleaner assembly (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING )
  9. Remove the splash shield
  10. Remove the battery base (see step  7)
  11. Remove the nuts securing the shift cable bracket (A)
    Fig 5: Identifying Shift Cable Bracket And Nuts
    G05990933Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  12. Remove the spring clip (B) and the control pin (C), then separate the shift cable end (D) from the selector control lever (E)
  13. Raise the vehicle on a lift, or apply parking brake, block both rear wheels, and raise the front of the vehicle Make sure it is securely supported
  14. Remove the heat shield

    With SH-AWD 

    Fig 6: Heat Shield Bolt With Torque Specification (With SH-AWD)
    G05990934Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Without SH-AWD 

    Fig 7: Heat Shield Bolt With Torque Specification (Without SH-AWD)
    G05990935Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  15. Remove the bolt securing the shift cable bracket (A)

    With SH-AWD 

    Fig 8: Shift Cable Bracket And Bolt With Torque Specification (With SH-AWD)
    G05990936Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Without SH-AWD 

    Fig 9: Shift Cable Bracket And Bolt With Torque Specification (Without SH-AWD)
    G05990937Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  16. Remove the shift cable grommet (B), and pull out the shift cable (C)
  17. Insert a new shift cable through the grommet hole (D), and install the grommet in its hole Do not bend the shift cable excessively
  18. Secure the shift cable bracket with the bolt
  19. Install the heat shield
  20. Apply molybdenum grease to the hole in the bushing (A) in the shift cable end (B), then install the shift cable bracket (C) with the nuts.
    Fig 10: Bushing In Shift Cable End With Torque Specifications
    G05990894Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  21. Attach the shift cable end to the selector control lever (D), then insert the control pin (E) into the selector control lever hole through the shift cable end, and secure the control pin with the spring clip (F).
  22. Install the shift cable on the shift cable end, and adjust the shift cable (see SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT )
  23. Install the battery base (see step  72)
  24. Install the splash shield
  25. Install the air cleaner assembly (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING )
  26. Do the battery installation procedure (see BATTERY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION )
  27. Adjust the shift cable (see SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT )
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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