🚨 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Kona Electric (second generation, redesigned) uses a console-mounted electronic rotary dial shifter with positions for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive.
🧰 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
- The 12V battery must have some charge for the electronic shifter to operate—if completely dead, see noPowerNotes below
- Press the brake pedal firmly
- Press the Power button to enter Accessory or ON mode (do not need Ready mode)
- Rotate the shifter dial to the N (Neutral) position
- Verify the instrument cluster shows 'N' and release the parking brake if moving the vehicle
- If the shift interlock is preventing operation due to a failed brake switch, look for a shift-lock release cover—on rotary dial shifters this is typically a small cap at the base of the dial assembly on the console; pry off the cap to access the manual override slot
- Insert a key or small screwdriver into the override slot and press or pull (depending on mechanism) while rotating the dial to N
- If unable to shift, proceed to tow-mode activation
Shift-lock override location
Small cap at the base of the rotary dial shifter assembly; however, exact location on the 2024 redesigned model is not confirmed—consult owner's manual
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic rotary shifter will not operate. You must jump-start the 12V battery (located under the hood) to provide power to the shifter system. Even a small amount of power from a jump pack should allow the shifter to function. Do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels down without tow mode engaged.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2024 Kona Electric must be towed on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground OR tow mode must be activated. To engage tow mode: with 12V power available, turn the Power button to ACC mode, then press and hold the Park button on the rotary dial for approximately 3-5 seconds until 'Tow Mode' or 'Transport Mode' appears on the instrument cluster. Towing with drive wheels on the ground without tow mode will destroy the electric motor and inverter. Always confirm tow mode is active before towing.