🚨 2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Ioniq 5 uses an electronic rotary gear selector dial on the center console that rotates to select P, R, N, or D.
✓ 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 level surface and apply the electronic parking brake (if possible)
- Locate the 12V battery (under the rear cargo floor) and connect a jump starter or donor vehicle to provide electrical power
- With 12V power restored, press the brake pedal firmly
- Press the power button once without pressing the brake to enter ACC mode (instrument panel will illuminate)
- While holding the brake pedal, rotate the gear selector dial to the N (Neutral) position
- The transmission will engage Neutral - you may hear a confirmation chime
- If you need to move the vehicle without any electrical power, you must use a flatbed tow truck with all four wheels OFF the ground - this electronic shift system has no mechanical override
With zero electrical power
The Ioniq 5's electronic rotary shifter REQUIRES 12V power to operate - there is no mechanical shift lock override. Without electrical power, the vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park. The vehicle MUST be loaded onto a flatbed with ALL FOUR WHEELS off the ground. The Ioniq 5 is all-wheel-drive (or can be), and even FWD models should be transported with all wheels raised to protect the electric drive system.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL EV WARNING: The Ioniq 5 is a pure electric vehicle with powerful electric motors. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground - the motors are directly connected to the wheels and towing will generate uncontrolled high voltage that can damage the inverter and battery system, potentially causing fire. FLATBED TRANSPORT ONLY with all wheels off the ground. If 12V power is available and you can shift to Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled short distances for loading, but once on the flatbed, all four wheels must be secured and lifted. Some Ioniq 5 models have a separate 'Tow Mode' in the vehicle settings menu (accessible with 12V power) - this does NOT make the vehicle towable with wheels down; it only releases the parking brake electronically.