🚨 2017 Honda Ridgeline: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Ridgeline (second generation) has a console-mounted electronic shifter with push-button gear selection and a mechanical shift lock override.
🧰 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 to ON mode if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered slot located on the right side of the shifter console, near the base of the push-button assembly
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override slot cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the Neutral button on the shifter panel
- The transmission should move to neutral - verify by observing the indicator display
- Remove the tool and replace the cover once the vehicle is in neutral
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the center console shifter assembly near the base of the push-button panel, behind a small plastic cover
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the push-button shifter will not function normally. The mechanical shift lock override should still release the shifter mechanism, but you may need to physically manipulate the transmission linkage if the electronic shifter is completely non-responsive. In this case, consider using a jump pack or external battery to provide minimal power to operate the shifter buttons after releasing the override.