🚨 2015 Kia Sorento: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Sorento (UM generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Locate the shift lock override access: there is a small rectangular cover/cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side when seated).
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if any power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down and manually shift the lever to Neutral without pressing the brake.
- Replace the override cover after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the lever mechanism.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Insert tool into override slot and hold down while moving shifter to Neutral. The override physically releases the shift lock mechanism independent of electrical power. You will not have dash lights or brake lights, so extreme caution is required if rolling the vehicle.