🚨 2010 Acura TSX: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 Acura TSX (second generation) uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift 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 the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (if battery allows) - this may restore shift interlock function if only the brake switch has failed
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- If the shifter still won't move, locate the shift lock release: look for a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side)
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the plastic cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or pen into the release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the release down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small slot with plastic cover cap on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base - second generation TSX uses similar Honda/Acura shift lock system to first generation
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock cannot be powered. You must use the mechanical shift lock override: remove the cap on the left side of shifter base, insert tool into the release slot, press down firmly while moving shifter to Neutral. The override is purely mechanical and works without any electrical power.