🚨 2023 Hyundai Sonata: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Sonata uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (press the START button twice without pressing the brake pedal).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, forward of the lever.
- Remove the plastic cap by gently prying it up with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and shift to Neutral.
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down and manually move the shifter to Neutral without pressing the brake.
- Replace the override cap after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, forward of the lever, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the override slot still functions mechanically. Remove the cap, insert a tool into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral without needing to press the brake pedal or turn on the ignition.