Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

2012 Honda Insight BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Shift Lever Removal

Remove the center console (see CENTER CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Apply the parking brake, and move the shift lever to N.
Remove the nut (A) securing the shift cable end (B).

Fig 1: Identifying Shift Cable End And Nut
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Rotate the socket holder (A) on the shift cable (B) a quarter turn; the corner (C) on the socket holder will be in the opening (D) of the shift lever bracket base (E). Then slide the socket holder to remove the shift cable from the bracket. Do not remove the shift cable by pulling the shift cable guide (F).

Fig 2: Rotating Socket Holder On Shift Cable
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the shift lock solenoid/park pin switch/A/T gear position indicator panel light connector (A).

Fig 3: Identifying Shift Lever Assembly Bolts And Nuts
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolts (B) and the nuts (C), then remove the shift lever assembly (D).

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.