🚨 2020 Acura TLX: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 TLX uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with an electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
🧰 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 engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition to ON (or ACC if battery permits) - do not start the engine
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the driver's side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the small cap covering the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, pen, or similar tool firmly into the override slot
- While pressing down on the override, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cap
Shift-lock override location
Driver's side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap approximately 0.5 inches wide
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the override slot still functions mechanically. You do NOT need ignition power to use the shift lock override - simply insert the tool into the override slot and shift to Neutral. The shifter release is purely mechanical.