🚨 2020 Honda Accord: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Accord uses a traditional console-mounted P-R-N-D shifter 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 the vehicle is on a level surface and parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ON (push start button twice without brake pedal) to energize the shift lock system
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift release button on the side of the shifter and move to Neutral
- If the brake pedal does not release the shift lock (failed brake light switch), locate the shift lock override slot
- Remove the small rectangular cover panel on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side)
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cover
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular plastic cover accessed from the driver's side of the console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic push-button start cannot energize the shift lock system. You MUST use the shift lock override: remove the cover on the left side of the shifter base, insert a tool into the override slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The override is purely mechanical and does not require any electrical power.