🚨 2020 Kia Optima: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Optima (fourth generation final year) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with push-button release and illuminated gear position indicators.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- If the battery has any charge at all, turn the ignition to ON by pressing the START button without pressing the brake pedal (press twice for ON mode).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift release button on the shifter and move to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and the electronic shift lock will not release, proceed to the manual override procedure.
Shift-lock override location
Locate the small rectangular plastic cover/cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter assembly); pry this cover off with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to reveal a small rectangular override slot; insert a screwdriver or key into this slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you cannot turn on the ignition, but the mechanical override will still function. Remove the small plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base to access the shift lock override slot. Insert a flathead screwdriver or ignition key into the slot, press down firmly to mechanically release the lock, and move the shifter to Neutral. You may need to apply significant pressure. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels rolling freely.