🚨 1998 Acura Integra: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Integra uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the side for gear selection and a mechanical shift-lock interlock (note: Integra never offered CVT; all automatics were 4-speed conventional).
🧰 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 ACC or ON position (this may restore shift-lock function if only the battery is weak, not completely dead)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot covered by a removable plastic cap on the console trim to the right side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the ignition key to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cap when done
Shift-lock override location
Right side of shifter base on console, under a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
The shift-lock override is purely mechanical and works with zero electrical power. The ignition does not need to be on for the override to function. You do not need to press the brake pedal when using the override.