🚨 1990 Honda NSX NA1: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 NSX automatic uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL shifter with a mechanical shift-lock interlock button on the shifter itself.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON or ACC position (key does not need to go to START).
- Press the brake pedal if you have any electrical power.
- Press the button on the front of the shifter and move to Neutral.
- If the shift-lock prevents movement, locate the shift-lock override slot in the console near the shifter base.
- Remove the small plastic cap or cover near the shifter (typically forward and to the right of the shifter base).
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or similar tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button.
- Move the shifter to Neutral while holding the override.
Shift-lock override location
In the console trim near the shifter base, forward and slightly to the right of the shifter, under a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, use the shift-lock override slot. The mechanical override should release the shift-lock mechanism even without electrical power. If the override does not release the shifter, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed.