🚨 2025 Daihatsu Copen: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Daihatsu Copen uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a button-release mechanism on the side of the lever.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the release button on the side of the shifter and move to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not move due to shift-lock, locate the shift-lock override slot near the base of the shifter.
- Remove the small cover cap adjacent to the shifter base (typically on the right side or front of the shifter surround).
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the key into the override slot and press down while pressing the shifter button.
- Move the shifter to Neutral while holding the override down.
- Replace the cover cap after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap near the shifter base on the center console, typically to the right or front of the shifter; exact location may vary by trim.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you cannot turn the ignition to ACC. Use the shift-lock override slot: remove the cover cap near the shifter base, insert a screwdriver or key into the slot, press down firmly, and move the shifter to Neutral. The override mechanically releases the shift-lock solenoid.