🚨 2019 Hyundai Kona: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Kona uses a conventional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock and a button on the shifter knob.
🧰 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 level ground and parking brake is engaged
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V power is available (press start button once without pressing brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override slot to the left of the shifter base on the center console
- Remove the small rectangular plastic cover by gently prying with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or pen tip into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely for loading onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
To the left of the shifter base on the center console, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override is mechanical and will still function. Follow the same procedure - insert tool into override slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The override does not require electrical power. Without power, the shifter position indicator will not illuminate, but the mechanism works mechanically.