🚨 2017 Honda Freed: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Honda Freed Hybrid uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with an electronic shift-lock system.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V power is available (if battery is completely dead, see no-power notes below).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the small cover cap.
- While firmly pressing the brake pedal (if power available), insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from P to N.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed in neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the P position.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-lock override will still function mechanically. You do NOT need brake pedal pressure when using the override with no power. Simply remove the override cover, insert tool, press the release, and shift to N. The hybrid system will be offline, but the transmission will release mechanically.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: The Freed Hybrid should NOT be towed with driven wheels on the ground for any significant distance. The electric motor is integrated with the transmission and can generate voltage when wheels rotate, potentially damaging the hybrid system. Use a flatbed or dolly under the front wheels. For short movements (onto a flatbed), neutral is safe.