🚨 2023 Hyundai Kona: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Kona uses a traditional console-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if possible (battery jump may be needed)
- Locate the shift lock release cover, a small rectangular plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the exposed shift lock release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the release down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the release down and manually move the shifter to Neutral without pressing the brake
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base; the release slot is directly underneath
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot turn the ignition on. The mechanical shift lock release still functions - simply pry off the cover, press down in the slot, and move the shifter to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies or the rear wheels lifted.