🚨 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Santa Fe uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with shift lock interlock.
✓ 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 level ground and parking brake is applied
- Attempt to turn ignition to ON position if any battery power remains (may allow normal shifting with brake pedal depressed)
- If shift lock will not release, locate the shift lock override access
- Look for a small cap or cover on the console near the shifter—typically found to the left or front-left of the shifter base on the console trim
- Pry off the small access cap using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the revealed override slot
- Press down on the override release while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Hold the override down until the shifter is securely in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small capped access slot on the center console near the shifter base, typically to the left or front-left side of the shifter; cap must be pried off to access
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical override will allow shifting to Neutral. Be aware that power steering and power brakes will not function. The electronic parking brake may remain engaged with no power—if so, you'll need to provide temporary 12V power (jump box or jumper cables) to release the EPB before the vehicle can roll.