🚨 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Kona Electric continues the second-generation design with a console-mounted electronic rotary dial shifter 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—this is typically a small cap at the base of the dial assembly; pry off the cap to access the manual override
- Insert a key or small screwdriver into the override slot and engage the release 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; exact location not confirmed for this model year—check owner's manual
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic rotary shifter will not function. Jump-start the 12V battery (under the hood) to restore power to the shifter. A portable jump starter providing minimal voltage should suffice. Towing with drive wheels down requires tow mode activation, which also requires 12V power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2025 Kona Electric must be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground OR tow mode must be activated. To activate tow mode: with 12V power available, turn Power to ACC mode, press and hold the Park button on the rotary dial for 3-5 seconds until 'Tow Mode' or 'Transport Mode' displays on the cluster. Never tow with drive wheels on the ground without tow mode active—this will cause catastrophic damage to the electric drive system.