🚨 2023 Kia Ceed: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Ceed uses a modern floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift-by-wire and shift interlock.
✓ 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and ensure the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON (press START button without brake pedal twice, or use key if equipped)
- Locate the shift lock override—look for a small rectangular or square slot with a plastic cover near the shifter base, typically on the front or left side of the shifter surround
- Use a flathead screwdriver, trim tool, or the emergency key blade to carefully pry off the plastic cover
- Insert the tool straight down into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral
- If power is available and the system is functional, you may be able to shift with the override released once Neutral is engaged
Shift-lock override location
Small cover-protected slot near the base of the shifter on the console surround—check the front and left sides of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override on some shift-by-wire systems. If the override does not allow shifting with zero power, the vehicle must be placed in Transport Mode: with jumper cables or booster connected, turn ignition ON, access the infotainment menu (Vehicle Settings or User Settings), find Towing or Transport Mode, and activate it to release the transmission. If this is unavailable, flatbed towing with rear wheels raised is required.