This procedure covers the inspection, adjustment, or replacement of the shift linkage connecting the gear selector to the transmission on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine and CVT.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Shift linkage assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shift cable bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Linkage grommets × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Shift transmission to Park position
4. Turn ignition off and remove key
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console lower trim
   From inside the vehicle, carefully pry up the front edge of the center console lower trim panel using a trim removal tool. Release the retaining clips and remove the panel to expose the shift cable routing area. Set aside carefully to avoid breaking clips.
2. 2

   Access shift lever assembly
   Remove the shift knob cover by lifting upward. Remove the cover screws securing the shift lever trim bezel using a 10mm socket. Lift the bezel up and over the shift lever to expose the cable connection point at the base of the shifter.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect shift cable at shifter
   Locate the shift cable end at the base of the shift lever assembly. Use needle-nose pliers to compress the cable retaining clip and slide the cable end off the shifter ball stud. Inspect the cable end bushing for wear or cracking; replace if damaged. Note the cable routing for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove cable mounting bracket
   Locate the cable mounting bracket secured to the floor tunnel. Remove the mounting bolts using a 12mm socket. Carefully pull the cable free from the bracket, noting any grommets or isolators that must be transferred to the new cable.
   ℹ️There are two different mounting bolt torque specifications. Use 26.0 Nm for floor bracket bolts and 58.0 Nm for transmission-side mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access transmission linkage from underneath
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the shift cable where it connects to the transmission shift lever arm on the driver's side of the transmission. The connection point is near the front of the CVT case. Clean the area of any road dirt or debris for better visibility.
6. 6

   Disconnect cable at transmission
   Compress the cable end retaining clip using needle-nose pliers and slide the cable end off the transmission shift lever ball stud. Inspect the cable end bushing for wear. Note the position of the shift lever on the transmission for reference during reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove transmission linkage pivot bolts
   Remove the pivot bolts securing the shift lever arm to the transmission using a 10mm socket. Support the shift lever while removing the bolts. Inspect the pivot bushings for wear or damage. If replacing the entire linkage assembly, carefully extract the lever from the transmission case.
   Torque spec

   Pivot Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Trace the shift cable routing from transmission to cabin. Release any remaining cable clips or ties securing the cable to the underbody. Carefully pull the cable through the firewall grommet from inside the vehicle. Inspect the firewall grommet for damage and replace if cracked or deteriorated.
9. 9

   Install new shift linkage and cable
   Route the new shift cable from the cabin through the firewall grommet, ensuring proper seating to prevent water intrusion. Follow the original cable routing, securing with clips at all original attachment points. Ensure cable has adequate clearance from exhaust components and suspension parts.
10. 10

    Connect cable at transmission
    Install the shift lever arm onto the transmission pivot using new pivot bolts if provided. Torque the pivot bolts to specification. Snap the cable end onto the transmission shift lever ball stud, ensuring the retaining clip fully engages. Verify the cable end moves freely on the ball stud without binding.
    Torque spec

    Pivot Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure transmission-side mounting
    Install the cable mounting bracket to the transmission or underbody using the appropriate mounting bolts. For transmission case mounting bolts, torque to 58.0 Nm. For smaller bracket mounting bolts, torque to 26.0 Nm. Verify cable routing does not create sharp bends or contact with moving parts.
    ⚠Overtightening mounting bolts can crack the transmission case or strip threads. Use torque wrench for critical 58.0 Nm specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect cable at shifter assembly
    From inside the vehicle, install the cable mounting bracket to the floor tunnel and torque the mounting bolts to 26.0 Nm. Snap the cable end onto the shifter ball stud, ensuring the retaining clip fully seats. Verify the cable housing is properly seated in the bracket.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Adjust shift linkage
    With the shift lever in Park position and the transmission shift lever in Park detent, verify proper cable adjustment. There should be minimal free play when moving the shift lever. If adjustment is needed, loosen the linkage bolts at the transmission end, verify Park alignment, and retorque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Linkage Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall shift lever trim bezel and torque cover screws to 10.0 Nm
2. Reinstall shift knob cover ensuring proper seating
3. Reinstall center console lower trim panel, pressing firmly to engage all retaining clips
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
5. Perform final verification with vehicle on ground

Verification

• With engine running and brake applied, verify shift lever moves smoothly through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S-L)
• Confirm transmission indicator on instrument cluster matches shift lever position in all gears
• Verify vehicle starts only in Park and Neutral positions
• Confirm reverse lights illuminate when shifted to Reverse
• Test that shift lever cannot be moved out of Park without brake pedal depressed and ignition on
• Drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting and proper gear engagement
• Check for any unusual noises or binding during gear changes
• Inspect underneath vehicle for proper cable routing and clearance from exhaust and suspension

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