🚨 2023 Hyundai Kona N: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Kona N uses a conventional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock and a button on the side of the shifter for gear selection.
✓ 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any power remaining (this may release the shift lock automatically).
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock release cover—a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed shift lock override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and press the shifter button, then move the shifter to Neutral.
- If successful, release the override and remove the tool; the vehicle should now roll freely in Neutral.
- If the vehicle must be towed, keep it in Neutral for flatbed loading or short-distance dollies only.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular plastic cover cap in the console trim surrounding the shifter.
With zero electrical power
With absolutely zero electrical power, the shift lock override can still be used mechanically. You will need to manually press the override (Step 5-6) without electrical assistance. The override physically disengages the shift lock solenoid, allowing the shifter to move. However, without any power you cannot turn the ignition to ACC, so you may need to apply more force to the override mechanism. Have a helper push the vehicle once in Neutral.