🚨 2022 Honda CR-V: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 CR-V (sixth generation, 2023+ body but 2022 is a carryover fifth-gen year in some markets) uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever 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 set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON (or press the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular access covered by a removable cap, positioned directly to the left of the shift lever base on the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small rubber or plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade straight down into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if available) and move the shift lever to Neutral
- If the brake pedal has no effect, continue holding the override and pull the shift lever toward you and move it to Neutral
- Replace the override cap after shifting
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap, located directly to the left of the shift lever base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, you cannot turn on the ignition. Jump-start the 12V battery even briefly to enable ignition ON mode, which allows the shift lock override to function. Without any power, the override mechanism will not release the shifter on this electronic system.