🚨 2023 Kia Sorento: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Kia Sorento uses an electronic shift-by-wire console shifter (SBW) with a traditional lever design and electronic park lock.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake.
- Attempt to jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to the jump-start terminals under the hood—this generation requires electrical power for the shifter to function.
- If power is restored, turn the ignition to ON (press the start button without pressing the brake pedal, or press it twice).
- Press the brake pedal firmly and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shift lock is still engaged due to a failed brake switch, locate the shift lock override access: remove the small trim panel or cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter console).
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the shifter release button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If no electrical power can be obtained and the vehicle absolutely must be moved, the transmission will need to be mechanically placed in Neutral via the transmission itself (requires lifting the vehicle and accessing the manual release on the transmission—this is a dealer/professional-level procedure).
Shift-lock override location
Small capped access slot on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter base; the cap may need to be pried off with a trim tool or screwdriver.
With zero electrical power
The 2023 Sorento uses electronic shift-by-wire; the shifter WILL NOT function without 12V power to the vehicle. You must jump-start the battery or provide external power. If absolutely no power is available, the transmission has a manual release lever on the transmission case itself, but this requires lifting the vehicle and is intended for professional recovery only—flatbed towing is strongly recommended.