🚨 2022 Kia Rio: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Kia Rio uses a traditional console-mounted gear selector lever with an electronic shift lock.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is engaged
- Turn the ignition to the ON/ACC position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock release cover - a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed shift lock release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the release down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the brake pedal cannot be pressed, continue holding the release down while moving the shifter - it may require moderate force
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Remove the cover, insert tool into the slot, press down and move shifter to Neutral. The ignition does not need to be on for the mechanical override to work.