🚨 1997 Acura CL: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Acura CL uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON/II position if the battery has any charge.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot - it is a small rectangular slot covered by a removable plastic cap on the console trim directly to the left of the shifter base.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or the mechanical key to pry off the small cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If moving to a flatbed, you may shift to Neutral or leave in Park for winching.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap on the console trim to the left of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you cannot turn the ignition to ON. The shift lock will remain engaged. Use the mechanical shift-lock override: remove the cap to the left of the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked; the vehicle must be winched or dollied onto a flatbed.