🚨 2015 Honda Civic: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Civic CVT uses a console-mounted shift lever with a P-R-N-D-S gate and electronic shift lock, continuing the ninth-generation design.
🧰 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 wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine) to power the shift lock system.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening on the right side of the shifter base, between the shifter and the center console trim.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or your key to pry off or flip up the small plastic cover over the override slot.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park through Reverse to Neutral.
- Release the override tool once in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base, between the shifter and center console, under a small flip-up or removable cover.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you must provide some electrical power to the vehicle. Use a portable jump starter or connect jumper cables to another vehicle, then turn the key to ON (do not start). The shift lock solenoid requires power to release even when using the mechanical override. Once minimal power is supplied, follow the standard override procedure.