🚨 2021 Acura NSX: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 NSX uses an electronic push-button gear selector with separate P, R, N, D buttons located on the center console.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 apply the parking brake if functional
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON (press START without brake pedal)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the N (Neutral) button on the center console shifter panel
- If the N button does not engage due to shift interlock failure, locate the shift-lock override slot—it is a small covered access point near the base of the push-button shifter assembly on the console
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the N button
- Verify the gear indicator shows N before releasing the brake
- If towing, ensure the vehicle is on a flatbed—NSX hybrid drivetrain components can be damaged by improper towing
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the base of the push-button shifter assembly on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic push-button shifter will not respond. Jump-start the 12V battery (located in the front trunk) to at least ON ignition position, then use the N button or override procedure. The NSX requires some electrical power to release the parking pawl.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The NSX is a complex hybrid with three electric motors. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground—flatbed ONLY. Towing with wheels down will cause severe damage to the electric drive units and inverters. Do not attempt to put the hybrid system into any 'tow mode'—there is none; the vehicle must be flatbed transported.