🚨 2020 Honda Passport: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Passport uses a traditional console-mounted P-R-N-D-S shifter with an electronic shift lock that prevents movement out of Park without brake pedal depression.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and ensure the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ON (push the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal, or turn key to ON position).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and push down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle needs to be moved without any electrical power, you will need to use the shift lock override while having another person push the vehicle, or manually rotate the wheels (front-wheel drive architecture means front wheels must be free to roll).
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the driver's side, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Remove the override cover cap and use the override slot as described. You may need a jump pack or jumper cables to briefly power the ignition system if the steering lock is engaged, as you'll need to unlock the steering column to safely move the vehicle. Consider flat-bed transport if steering remains locked.