🚨 2011 Acura RDX: Emergency Neutral
The 2011 RDX uses a traditional console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
✓ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or ACC if battery is weak but not completely dead).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap, positioned on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side.
- Using a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade, carefully pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade straight down into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, you can release the override and the vehicle can be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock may still prevent movement. Apply the override procedure as described. If the steering lock is also engaged and cannot be released, the vehicle will need to be jumped or have 12V power applied to the underhood jump-start terminals (positive terminal under the hood fuse box cover, negative to chassis ground) to unlock the steering and complete the shift to Neutral.