🚨 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Santa Fe features a console-mounted electronic automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 vehicle is on level ground with parking brake engaged
- Turn ignition to ON/ACC position if battery has any remaining charge (may enable normal shift release with brake pedal)
- If shifting remains locked, locate the shift lock override release
- Find the small access cap on the center console trim near the shifter base—typically positioned to the left front side of the shifter
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the access cap
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot beneath the cap
- Press firmly down into the override slot while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park into Neutral
- Continue holding the override release until shifter is fully engaged in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small capped override slot on center console near shifter base, typically left-front side of the shifter; cap pries off to reveal slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical override allows shifting to Neutral for towing. Note that electronic parking brake (if equipped) requires 12V power to release—you may need to jump-start or connect a power supply momentarily to disengage EPB before vehicle can move. Power steering will not function without engine running.