🚨 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Tucson Plug-in Hybrid uses an electronic push-button gear selector (SBW - Shift-By-Wire) mounted on the center console.
✓ 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 flat surface and chock the wheels before attempting any procedure
- Locate the small rectangular shift-lock release cover on the center console, positioned directly below and to the right of the P button
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift-lock release cover
- With the ignition in ACC mode (press start button twice without brake pedal), press firmly into the shift-lock override slot with a screwdriver while simultaneously pressing the N button
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, you must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to get any shift function - there is no purely mechanical override for push-button shifters
- Once the vehicle is in neutral, it can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover directly below and to the right of the P button on the center console button cluster
With zero electrical power
Push-button shifters require 12V power to function. You MUST jump-start the 12V auxiliary battery (located in the engine bay) or connect a portable power supply to the vehicle's 12V system before any shift operation is possible. The override slot only works when the system has power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: This is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a high-voltage battery system. If the high-voltage system is active, the vehicle may creep or move unexpectedly when placed in neutral. Before flatbed loading, ensure the vehicle is in the 'ready-off' state (not just accessory mode). For towing, the Tucson PHEV MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground - towing with any wheels on the ground will severely damage the hybrid drivetrain. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow or dolly-tow this vehicle.