🚨 2013 Acura ILX: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Acura ILX uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever (conventional automatic or DCT depending on trim) 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.
- If the battery has any charge, press the brake pedal and push the ENGINE START/STOP button twice (without foot on brake) to reach ACCESSORY or ON mode.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening in the console trim directly forward and slightly to the right of the shifter base, near the cupholder side.
- The slot may have a small removable trim cap - pry it off with a flat-head screwdriver if present.
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release 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 in console trim forward and to the right of the shifter base, near the cupholder area; may be covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the push-button start will not function and the shift lock remains engaged. Use the mechanical shift-lock override: locate the small slot forward-right of the shifter base, remove any cap, insert a screwdriver, press down, and shift to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked; the vehicle must be winched or dollied onto a flatbed. Note that DCT-equipped models may have additional electronic interlocks, but the mechanical override will still release the shifter.