🚨 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Sorento Hybrid uses a conventional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift-lock and Park lock mechanisms.
✓ 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 level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V power is available (press START button without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot, which is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover located on the left side of the shifter base in the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool fully into the override slot.
- While holding the tool down in the override slot, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the electronic parking brake (EPB) will not release due to dead battery, you will need to use a jump starter or battery before attempting to roll the vehicle, or load onto flatbed in Park.
- Keep the tool inserted and your foot on the brake while shifting; remove tool only after shifter is secure in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-lock override allows mechanical release to Neutral, but the electronic parking brake (EPB) will remain engaged and cannot be released without power. You must either jump-start the 12V battery to release the EPB, or load the vehicle onto a flatbed with rear wheels off the ground while still in Park. The hybrid system does not need to be 'READY' to release EPB, only 12V accessory power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID CRITICAL: Even in Neutral with the parking brake released, the Sorento Hybrid should only be towed with all four wheels OFF the ground (flatbed) or with the rear wheels off the ground (dollies under rear). The front electric motor is connected to the drivetrain and can be damaged by flat-towing. Maximum neutral-tow distance if absolutely necessary is approximately 30 miles at under 30 mph, but this risks permanent electric motor and transmission damage. For dead 12V battery with working hybrid battery, you only need to jump the 12V system - do not attempt to charge or jump the high-voltage hybrid battery.