🚨 2021 Kia Soul EV: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Soul EV uses an electronic console-mounted shift-by-wire lever with 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
- Apply the parking brake and chock all wheels securely.
- Locate the shift-lock override access—it's a small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter base (toward the passenger side).
- Carefully pry off the cover with a trim tool or flat-blade screwdriver.
- Insert the ignition key blade or a small screwdriver into the override slot and press down.
- While holding the override, press the button on the shifter and move it to the Neutral position.
- If the electronic parking brake (EPB) is engaged, you must have 12V power to release it—jump-start the 12V battery if necessary before attempting to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter base on the console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic parking brake cannot be released. The 12V battery is located under the hood on the driver's side. You must jump-start this battery to release the EPB before the vehicle can roll. The shift-lock override works mechanically even without power, but the EPB will prevent movement.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Soul EV has no flat-tow capability. Even in Neutral, the electric motor is mechanically connected to the drivetrain and towing with wheels on the ground will generate electricity back into the high-voltage system, potentially causing severe damage. FLATBED TRANSPORT ONLY. For loading onto a flatbed (short distance with no power), use the shift-lock override to access Neutral.