🚨 2012 Honda Crosstour: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Crosstour uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission 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
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- If the shifter releases, move it to neutral
- If the shifter remains locked (dead battery or failed brake switch), locate the shift lock override slot
- Remove the small rectangular cover panel on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter)
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cover
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover panel on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base; the override slot is directly beneath this cover
With zero electrical power
With no power, the shift lock will remain engaged. You must use the manual shift lock override: remove the cover panel on the left side of the shifter base, insert a tool into the slot beneath, press down, and shift to neutral while holding the override. The ignition does not need to be in any position for the override to work.