🚨 2019 Hyundai Tucson: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Tucson uses a console-mounted automatic shifter 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override - look for a small rectangular or circular cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side when seated), typically near the button side of the shifter
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key blade to carefully pry off the override access cover
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar narrow tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and press the shifter button while moving from Park to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down and apply firm pressure on the shifter button while pulling back to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small access cap on the left side of the shifter base assembly, near the shifter button mechanism
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. The shifter button may require more force to depress without power. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be pushed or winched onto a flatbed - do not attempt to tow with wheels on the ground.