🚨 2006 Honda Accord: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Accord with CVT uses a console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON (II) position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered slot to the LEFT of the shifter base near the P position, covered by a small rectangular cap.
- Remove the cap by gently prying it with a flat screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park into Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral.
- If the vehicle must be towed, ensure it remains in Neutral and refer to the owner's manual for towing restrictions specific to CVT transmissions.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered rectangular slot to the LEFT of the shifter base near the P position
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you will need to access the 12V battery (under the hood) with jumper cables or a portable jump pack to provide enough power to turn the ignition to ON (II) position. Once power is available, follow the shift lock override procedure. Without any power, the shift lock cannot be mechanically overridden on this generation.