🚨 2020 Kia Cadenza: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Cadenza (final model year) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-by-wire technology.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override - there is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter console near the base of the shifter
- Use the ignition key or a small flathead screwdriver to remove the override cover
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral
- The shifter should release from Park without requiring brake pedal input
- Remove the tool once the shifter is secured in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the shifter console base
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not respond even with the override. If the shifter remains locked, the vehicle must be flatbed towed. Do not attempt to force the shifter. The shift-by-wire system requires some electrical power to function.