🚨 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Tucson Hybrid uses a console-mounted electronic shift-by-wire lever with an integrated P-button on the lever head.
✓ 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 a level surface and set the parking brake if functional.
- Locate the shift lock override access—look for a small rectangular or circular cover cap near the base of the shifter, typically on the right side or forward-right of the shifter boot.
- Use a flathead screwdriver, trim tool, or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON (if 12V power is available, even minimally), then insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral.
- If the vehicle will not shift due to complete power loss, you must supply external 12V power to the battery before the electronic shifter and override will respond.
- Once in Neutral, release the parking brake (if set) and the vehicle can be moved.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap located near the base of the shifter console, usually on the right or front-right side of the shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
The 2022 Tucson Hybrid uses an electronic shift-by-wire system that requires 12V power to operate. With a completely dead 12V battery, the shifter and shift lock override will not function. Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to the 12V battery (located in the engine bay) to restore minimal power, then use the shift lock override. The high-voltage hybrid system does not provide 12V power to the shifter.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
Hybrid vehicle: Do NOT flat-tow this vehicle with all four wheels on the ground for any distance, as the hybrid transaxle and electric motors can be severely damaged. Use a flatbed or wheel-lift tow truck with the front wheels off the ground. If maneuvering onto a flatbed with no power, keep movement to an absolute minimum and ensure the vehicle is in Neutral.