🚨 2021 Acura RDX: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 RDX uses an electronic push-button gear selector with buttons arranged vertically 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- The push-button shifter requires electrical power to operate; with a completely dead battery, you cannot shift using the buttons.
- Jump-start the vehicle or apply external 12V power to the underhood jump-start terminals: positive terminal is under a red cap in the underhood fuse box, negative ground point is a marked stud on the chassis.
- Once power is restored, turn the ignition to ON mode (press the start button without pressing the brake pedal, or press twice).
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the 'N' (Neutral) button on the gear selector.
- Confirm Neutral is engaged on the instrument cluster display before attempting to move the vehicle.
With zero electrical power
The electronic push-button shifter has no mechanical override. A dead battery means you cannot shift out of Park without applying external power. Jump the vehicle using the underhood terminals or connect a portable jump-starter. If the 12V battery is completely failed and cannot accept a charge, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the drive wheels off the ground (all four wheels recommended) or dollies used.