🚨 1997 Honda Prelude: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Prelude (fifth generation BB-chassis) uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the front of the shift knob and an electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground or properly supported
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift-lock override slot—on the fifth-gen Prelude it is typically found on the left side of the shifter base on the center console, covered by a small removable cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the button on the shifter and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the battery is completely dead and the steering wheel is locked, you may need to rock the steering wheel while turning the key to ACC to unlock it before accessing the shifter
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base on the center console, covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift-lock override still functions mechanically. However, the steering wheel may be locked; try rocking the wheel left and right while turning the key to ACC. The override slot allows manual release of the shifter lock independent of electrical power.