🚨 2015 Acura RDX: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 RDX uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to ON (or ACC if battery allows) - this may restore shift lock function if the battery has minimal charge
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no brake pressure exists, continue holding the override and shift directly to Neutral
- Replace the override cap after shifting
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap approximately 0.5 inches wide
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the electronic shifter lock remains disengaged and the mechanical override slot must be used. The procedure is the same whether the battery is weak or completely dead - the override bypasses all electrical systems. You do not need ignition power to use the override.