🚨 2002 Acura CL: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Acura CL uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 - look for a small removable cap or slot in the console trim immediately surrounding the shifter base, typically to the left or front-left of the lever.
- Remove the cap using a flat-head screwdriver or the mechanical key.
- 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 removable cap/slot in console trim near the shifter base, location varies slightly by trim but typically to the left or front-left of the lever
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 access cap near 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.