🚨 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Santa Fe features a console-mounted electronic automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift interlock system.
✓ 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
- Position vehicle on level ground and confirm parking brake is engaged
- Attempt to turn ignition to ON/ACC position if battery has any residual charge (may enable normal shifting with brake applied)
- If shifter remains locked, locate the mechanical shift lock override
- Look for a small removable cap or cover on the center console near the base of the shifter—typically found on the left side or front-left area of the shifter housing
- Use a flathead screwdriver, trim tool, or key to gently pry off the access cap
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot revealed beneath the cap
- Press down firmly into the override slot while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park into Neutral
- Maintain pressure on the override until the shifter is fully seated in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small capped override access on center console near shifter base, typically left or front-left side of the shifter housing; cap must be removed to expose the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical override will allow shifting to Neutral, but the electronic parking brake (EPB) standard on 2025 models CANNOT be released without electrical power. You must jump-start the vehicle or connect a 12V power source temporarily to release the EPB before the vehicle can move. Once EPB is released and shifter is in Neutral, vehicle can roll freely for loading onto flatbed. Power steering and power brake assist will not function without engine running.