🚨 2018 Honda Fit: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Fit uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 ON position (if battery has some charge) or ACC position
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lock release button and move shifter to neutral
- If brake pedal feels stiff or shift lock won't release, proceed to manual override
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot to the upper left of the shifter base, near the "P" position
- Remove the small plastic cover (it may be labeled with a key symbol)
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the mechanical key from the fob into the slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously moving the shifter to neutral
- Remove the tool and keep the vehicle in neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cover located to the upper left of the shifter base, near the Park position indicator
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: You cannot turn the ignition to ON. Use the shift lock override slot method immediately. Insert a key or screwdriver into the override slot (after removing the cover) and press down while shifting to neutral. The override is purely mechanical and requires no power.