🚨 2020 Honda Fit: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Fit Hybrid uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock and hybrid drivetrain.
✓ 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
- Attempt to turn the ignition to ON position using the POWER button (may not work with dead 12V battery)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lock release button and move shifter to neutral
- If the system does not respond or battery is dead, 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 12V battery: The POWER button will not activate the vehicle systems. 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. Note that even in neutral, the hybrid system may engage regenerative braking or the parking pawl if the 12V system powers up unexpectedly.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE WARNING: The Fit Hybrid should be transported on a flatbed truck only. Even in neutral with dead 12V battery, if any charge enters the system or if the vehicle is towed with wheels on the ground, the electric motor may engage regenerative braking or cause drivetrain damage. Do not tow with wheels down under any circumstances. Neutral is only for loading onto flatbed or moving short distances (a few feet) at walking speed.