🚨 2019 Hyundai Elantra: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Elantra uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 flat surface and the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's left knee
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the rubber/plastic cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the brake pedal does not provide resistance due to no power assist, continue holding the override and shift to Neutral
- Release the override tool and remove it from the slot
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap approximately 0.5 inches in size
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need ignition power to use the override slot. Simply access the override slot, press down with a tool, and shift to Neutral. The brake pedal will be very stiff without power assist, but the override bypasses the brake-interlock requirement.