2012 Acura TL BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Shift Lever Installation

  1. Install the shift lever assembly (A).
    Fig 1: Shift Lever Assembly, 4P Connector And Shift Lever Bracket Base With Torque Specifications
    G08066583Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. Connect the shift lever 4P connector (B).
  3. Install the shift lever 4P connector on the shift lever bracket base (C).
  4. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode, and check that the R position indicator comes on.
    Fig 2: Display - PRNDS Indicators
    G08066584Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. If necessary, push the shift cable (A) until it stops, then release it. Pull the shift cable back one step from the P position so that the shift position is in R. Do not hold the shift cable guide (B) to adjust the shift cable.
    Fig 3: Identifying Shift Cable And Shift Cable Guide
    G08066585Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Move the shift lever in P, then turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
  7. Move the shift lever in R, then insert a 6.0 mm (0.24 in) pin (A) into the positioning hole (B) on the shift lever positioning guide, and into the positioning hole on the shift lever bracket. Use only a 6.0 mm (0.24 in) pin with no burrs.
    Fig 4: Identifying Shift Lever, Pin And Positioning Hole
    G08066586Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  8. Align the shift cable slot (A) between the socket holder (B) and the socket holder retainer (C) with the opening (D) in the shift cable bracket (E), then slide the holder into the bracket while installing the shift cable end (F) over the mounting stud (G) by aligning its square hole with the square fitting (H) at the bottom of the stud. Do not install the shift cable by holding the shift cable guide (I).
    NOTE: When the socket holder is installed in the shift cable bracket, the retainer lock is unhinged and releases the holder retainer lock, then the holder retainer returns under spring force to secure the shift cable.
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.