I'm looking into what can be done to remove completely or all but remove completely the automatic transmission shifter, and haven't found much info on it...

I've got a 2010 Honda Fit Base model. I'd like to remove the shifter knob and shaft and set up a push button version (if that's possible...) or cut down the rod inside as far down as possible and mount a smaller knob on the remaining stump (if that's possible and the first option isn't possible...).

To What Extent Can Automatic Transmission Shifter Be Modified?

What options exist here - does anyone know?

Thank you!

 

Anyone know anything about it?

It may sound ridiculous but it could save my job, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I don't see why either option wouldn't work. The shifter is basically a lever with a rod in the middle that needs to be pushed down to unlock the shift selector. When you pull the trigger the inner rod is pushed in. If you take the shifter knob off, it's automatically a push button shifter knob no modifications needed. If you want to cut it down after that, nothing prevents you from doing that either. The only idea that probably wouldn't work well is removing it all together, like how would you get out of park without a shifter?

 

So, I probably should have mentioned that I did take it apart; removed the front top knob, took out the two screws and removed the top completely so that I'm left with the rod that has the top pin to push down to shift...

The issue is that I don't know based on the schematic drawings I've found, whether or not the rod is solid and just has a pin up top, or if the pin is the top of a rod that extends all the way down into this outer tube. If the push-down pin is a rod that extends all the way down, it follows that I'd be able to cut the outer tube lower than the center rod and still have a push-down capacity to shift - but I don't know how far down that goes in the center...

Another possibility would be if there were any way to modify the emergency brake and put in some sort of bench seat? I essentially need to be able to drive from the center or passenger side of the vehicle using my left leg, or convert it to right side drive, but the most cost-effective options that bring about the modification are what I'm looking to consider using here.

Is there any info on modifications using some kind of bench seat?

Thanks for the reply!

 

I'm not sure you will find schematic drawings for the shift lever. Honda typically doesn't publish that info. Your best bet might be to try and find out. I'd start with grabbing a spare shift lever from the junk yard. I would think it would be cheaper to modify the shift lever over putting in a bench seat.

 

I can't imagine not driving from the seat with the controls in front of it is legal; but maybe other state laws are different. Same with failing yearly insurrection when inspector can't find reverse :P Rural postal route? I don't think you'll be able to cut down the shift lever short enough to let you move back and forth with ease.

Jeep sells a Wrangler RHD; not as cheap as a fit I know. Or a car with a bench seat, of which there are not many these days. Older Buicks. Honda crvs 2002-7 and elements (automatics) have a column shifter. Toyota tacoma.

Should you be temped to sit on the center console, you might want to pull it off (super easy) and just make sure you aren't gonna sit on top of the fuel pump leads ...