🚨 2018 Kia Forte: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Kia Forte uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever 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 a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available (do not start engine)
- Locate the shift lock release access cover - it is a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near where the lever enters the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the shift lock release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the release down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no brake pedal pressure is available, continue holding the release and move the shifter directly to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, small rectangular access cover that reveals the shift lock release slot
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock release override will still function mechanically. You will NOT be able to turn the ignition to ACC/ON position, but you can still access the shift lock release and move to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded - it cannot be flat-towed.