🚨 2012 Kia Sedona: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Kia Sedona uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a shift-lock button on the shifter handle.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available (this may energize the shift interlock solenoid).
- If the vehicle does not shift out of Park with brake pedal pressed, locate the shift-lock override slot.
- The shift-lock override is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap, located on the console trim to the left of the shifter base.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the console trim to the left of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot turn the ignition to ACC. The shift-lock override is mechanical and does not require power—simply remove the cap, press the override with a tool, and shift to Neutral. However, steering will be locked; you may need to unlock the steering column manually by inserting the key and attempting to turn it while wiggling the steering wheel, or the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground.