🚨 2013 Acura TL: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 TL 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 parking brake is firmly set and you're on level ground
- Turn ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it's a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot while continuing to hold the brake
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism—you should feel it depress about 1/4 inch
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Release the override, remove the tool, and replace the cap
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near the front, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot still functions mechanically. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ACC, but the mechanical override allows shifter movement without any electrical power. Just press brake pedal and use the override slot as described.