🚨 2012 Honda Ridgeline: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Ridgeline has a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover on the left side of the shifter mechanism on the steering column
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key itself to pry off the plastic cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot
- Press the tool down firmly into the slot while simultaneously pressing the shifter release button and moving the shifter to neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cover once the vehicle is in neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the column shifter mechanism, behind a small rectangular plastic cover
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need battery power to use the override slot - it is a purely mechanical release. However, you will not be able to turn the ignition key to ACC position, which is acceptable for using the override.