🚨 2018 Honda City: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Honda City uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock connected to the brake pedal switch.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if you have any battery power (this may allow normal shifting with brake pedal depressed).
- If the shift lock will not release with brake applied, locate the shift lock override slot—it is typically a small rectangular or circular cover near the base of the shifter assembly on the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cover cap.
- Press down firmly on the shift lock release button/tab inside the override slot while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park.
- Move the shifter to Neutral.
- Keep the override pressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap near the shifter base on the center console, typically on the left or front side of the shifter assembly—look for a rectangular slot approximately 10-15mm wide.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is mechanical and will still function. You must manually press the override release while moving the shifter. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be towed on a flatbed or with front wheels off the ground.