🚨 2022 Honda Vezel: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Honda Vezel (HR-V in some markets) uses a console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock interlock.
🧰 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 vehicle is on level ground and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON (press the START button twice without pressing the brake pedal) if 12V power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override—on the Vezel, look for a small rectangular cap or cover near the shifter base on the right side of the shifter boot.
- Pry off or remove the small override cover using your fingernail or a small flat tool.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, mechanical key, or similar object into the exposed override slot.
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter release button and moving the lever from P to N.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover.
- The vehicle can now be rolled or positioned for flatbed loading.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shifter boot—typically a few centimeters from the shifter lever itself
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will work without ignition power. Simply use the override slot with a tool to mechanically release the shifter lock. Parking brake must be engaged before starting.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Vezel hybrid uses Honda's e:HEV (or i-MMD) hybrid system with integrated electric motors in the transaxle. DO NOT tow with front wheels on the ground for any significant distance—this will rotate the unpowered motors and can cause severe damage. Use only flatbed towing or dolly under the front wheels. Neutral is acceptable for short movements onto flatbed only.