Honda Fit (GK) ACUITY Shift Boot Collar Installation
Introduction
Fitting a heavier aftermarket shift knob to a 2015-and-newer third-generation Honda Fit (GK) usually leaves the shift boot drooping, because the factory silver plastic snap ring is designed to hold the boot taut only against the light OEM knob. The ACUITY Instruments boot collar replaces that plastic ring with a metal collar that keeps the boot standing upright regardless of knob weight. The collar is reversible, so either face can be shown to suit different knob styles, and it comes in stainless steel or anodized black aluminium. This guide covers the full installation on a GK Fit, which requires removing the center console to reach and invert the boot; there is no shortcut that avoids pulling the console. The trim breakdown described matches an LX interior, so EX and Sport trims will differ slightly around the accessory panel. None of the work is mechanically risky, but it does involve unplugging several harness connectors, so budget time for careful trim removal. Adapted from a community writeup by nisco on FitFreak (https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-gen-gk-specific-fit-interior-modifications-sub-forum/97760-diy-acuity-instruments-shift-boot-collar-upgrade-installation.html), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Large flat head screwdriver
- Trim/panel removal tool
- Snippers or side cutters
- 10mm socket with 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet
- 12mm open end wrench
Parts Required
-
ACUITY Instruments shift boot collar (stainless steel or anodized black aluminum)
-
Supplied zip ties (or a durable rubber band as an alternative)
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging the console connectors.
- ⚠ Removing battery power will reset the clock, radio presets, and other stored settings; be ready to re-enter them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Disconnect the battery
Loosen the 10mm nut on the negative battery terminal and lift the cable clear of the post. This de-energizes the accessory circuits you are about to unplug and is a sensible precaution before disturbing console wiring.
2 Release the front console fasteners
At the forward end of the center console, use the large flat head screwdriver together with the trim removal tool to pop out the two plastic push-clip fasteners located on each side. These anchor the console skirt near the front of the vehicle.
3 Remove the accessory outlet panel
Back out the Phillips screw above the power outlet, then start the trim tool at the top edge of the panel and work it loose. Once free, unplug the three connectors serving the power outlet, USB, and AUX jacks. Take out the two screws holding the cup holder surround and lift the cup holder trim upward to remove it. Note that this layout is for LX trim; EX and Sport interiors route these components differently.
4 Remove the parking brake trim
Using the trim removal tool, detach the small panel located just ahead of the parking brake handle.
5 Free the rear of the console
Move to the back seat area and pull off the cover on the rear face of the console with the trim tool. Unplug the rear power outlet connector, then remove the two Phillips screws behind it.
6 Remove the shift knob
Grip the silver retaining ring sitting directly below the shift knob and pull it firmly straight down to release its clip. With the ring unclipped, lift the knob off the shift lever.
7 Lift out the center console
Raise the rear end of the console and slide the whole assembly forward so it clears the parking brake handle, then lift it out of the car and set it on a bench.
8 Open the shift boot trim
Turn the console upside down and remove the eight screws that secure the shift boot trim frame to the underside of the console.
9 Remove the factory snap ring
Turn the boot inside out, cut the factory zip tie with the snippers, and slide the silver plastic snap ring off the boot.
10 Fit the ACUITY collar
Decide which face of the reversible collar you want on display, then seat the collar into the boot with that side pointing downward. Fasten it using the supplied zip ties, seating them in the grooves nearest the bottom of the collar, then clip off the excess tails and turn the boot right side out. Practical revision from the writeup: the zip tie heads create a noticeable bulge once the boot is flipped, so wrapping a durable rubber band several times around the collar gives a cleaner, flatter result; a length of strong string works similarly.
11 Reinstall the console
Refit the console and all trim panels by reversing the removal sequence, reconnecting each harness plug as you go. Reconnect the negative battery terminal, then reset the clock and any other settings lost when power was removed.
12 Install the knob and set the collar
Thread the binding nut onto the shift lever first, then position the knob at your preferred height and orientation. Lock the knob against the binding nut with the 12mm open end wrench. Finally, pull the collar upward to seat it and stand the boot fully upright.
Pro Tips
- 💡 There is no shortcut to reach the boot; the console has to come out so the boot can be turned inside out, but it is a straightforward console to remove.
- 💡 The factory plastic boot ring only holds the boot properly against the stock lightweight shifter, which is why a metal collar or aftermarket adapter is needed once you fit a weighted knob.
- 💡 If the zip tie heads bulge the boot after flipping it, substitute a rubber band looped several times for a smoother finish.
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