🚨 2007 Honda Ridgeline: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 Honda Ridgeline uses a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter lever with a button on the side for shifting.
✓ 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 level surface and set the parking brake
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift lock release slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap, located on the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the small plastic cover over the shift lock release
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar narrow tool into the exposed shift lock release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the button on the shifter and move the lever to Neutral
- The shifter should move freely to N while the override is depressed
Shift-lock override location
On the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter, covered by a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override will still work mechanically - you do not need battery power to release the shifter using the manual override. However, you will not be able to turn the ignition key or see gear position indicators. The mechanical override bypasses the electronic shift lock entirely. Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.