🚨 2019 Honda Passport: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Honda Passport (third generation, Honda-designed platform) uses an electronic push-button console shifter with P-R-N-D-S buttons arranged vertically on the center console.
✓ 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- If the 12V battery has any charge, press the Engine Start/Stop button twice WITHOUT pressing the brake pedal to reach ACCESSORY or ON mode.
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the 'N' (Neutral) button on the shifter.
- If electrical power is completely dead and the electronic shifter is unresponsive, locate the shift lock override access cover on the console near the shifter buttons (typically a small rectangular cover to the left or in front of the button array).
- Remove the override access cover using a trim tool or flathead screwdriver.
- Look for a small mechanical release tab or slot inside; you may need to use a screwdriver or key to press/pull the release mechanism.
- While activating the override release, attempt to press the 'N' button or manually shift the transmission into neutral using the mechanical backup.
- If the vehicle remains uncooperative with zero electrical power, the transmission may need to be placed in tow mode: consult the owner's manual for the specific tow-mode procedure, which may involve accessing the transmission itself under the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover near the electronic shifter button array, typically to the left or forward of the buttons on the center console; contains a mechanical shift lock release mechanism.
With zero electrical power
The 2019 Passport uses an electronic shifter that requires at least some 12V power to function normally. With completely dead battery, the shift lock override provides mechanical backup, but the electronic shifter may still not fully respond. In true zero-power situations, you may need to access a manual transmission release (consult owner's manual) or use a jump pack to provide temporary power to shift to neutral. For complete power loss, flatbed towing with all wheels off the ground is the safest option.