🚨 2023 Acura ILX: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Acura ILX uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock and a manual override release.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter housing.
- Remove the small rectangular rubber cap or plastic cover to expose the override slot.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar flat tool into the slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If successful, release the override tool and verify the shifter is in Neutral before releasing the parking brake.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap in the shifter console trim
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need battery power to use the manual release—simply access the override slot and proceed with the steps above. The override physically disengages the shift lock solenoid.