🚨 2006 Kia Sedona: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Sedona uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with an electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly applied.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available (this may help with interlock release).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the driver's side of the shifter assembly, typically covered by a small rectangular cap or cover panel near the base of the shifter.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover cap.
- While pressing the brake pedal (if power is available), insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If successful, the vehicle can now be moved or towed; keep the override depressed until the shifter is in Neutral, then release.
- Replace the override cover when finished.
Shift-lock override location
On the driver's side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap that can be pried off with a screwdriver.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift-lock override is mechanical and will still function. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ACC, but the override mechanism itself does not require electrical power. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure while moving the shifter to Neutral. Note that without power, the ignition may be locked in the steering column; if you cannot turn the key at all, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery minimally to unlock the steering column before attempting to move the vehicle.