🚨 2016 Hyundai Azera: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Azera uses a traditional floor-mounted console 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or the metal end of the key to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While pressing down firmly on the override release, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll; if loading onto a flatbed, secure the vehicle and leave the shifter in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the front of the console
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, you cannot turn the ignition on. Use the shift lock override exactly as described—the mechanical override will physically release the shifter lock. You will not be able to press the brake pedal to deactivate the switch, but the override bypasses this interlock entirely. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed; it cannot be towed with wheels on the ground.