🚨 2012 Hyundai Equus: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Equus uses a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 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 on the left side of the shifter housing near the base of the column shroud
- Remove the small plastic cover cap over the override slot by carefully prying it with a flat-head screwdriver
- Insert a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down and manually move the shifter to Neutral without pressing the brake
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool and replace the cover cap
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter housing at the base of the column shroud, covered by a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you cannot turn the ignition to ACC. Simply access the shift lock override slot, press the override mechanism down with a tool, and manually shift to Neutral without needing brake pedal depression or ignition power.