🚨 2026 Kia Seltos: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 Kia Seltos is expected to use a console-mounted automatic shifter, likely similar to the 2025 model with electronic shift-by-wire components.
✓ 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.
- Press the START button without pressing the brake pedal to enter ACC mode if the battery has any charge.
- Press the brake pedal and attempt to shift out of Park normally.
- If the vehicle does not shift out of Park, locate the shift-lock override slot.
- The shift-lock override is typically a small rectangular slot with a removable cap, located on the center console near the shifter base—check the right side or front of the shifter housing.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal emergency key blade to remove the cap.
- Insert the tool into the override 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 with the front wheels on the ground at low speed for short distances, or on a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the center console near the shifter base, typically on the right side or front of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the push-button start will not function and you cannot enter ACC mode. The shift-lock override is mechanical and should allow you to shift to Neutral without power. However, the steering column will remain locked. To unlock steering, you may need to insert the physical key into the emergency key slot (if equipped) or the steering lock may remain engaged, requiring flatbed towing with the front wheels off the ground. All-wheel-drive models must be flatbedded with all four wheels off the ground.