🚨 2017 Acura ILX: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 ILX uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not need to start the engine).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the center console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cover cap.
- Insert the key or screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no electrical power: skip ignition step, use the override slot while manually pushing the shifter—it will require more force but will release mechanically.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the override slot still functions mechanically. Remove the cover cap, insert key/screwdriver, press down firmly in the override slot, and push the shifter to Neutral with force—the mechanical release will disengage the pawl.