🚨 2017 Kia Soul Turbo: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Soul Turbo has a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter lever with a push-button release on the front of the shifter handle.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake fully
- Locate the shift lock release access slot on the left side of the shifter base – it is a small rectangular slot with a removable plastic cover
- Use your fingers or a flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic cover over the shift lock release slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key blade, or similar thin tool into the exposed slot and press down firmly
- While holding the tool down in the slot, press the shifter button on the handle and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Release the tool and shifter button; the transmission should now be in Neutral
- The vehicle can now be pushed or rolled onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular covered slot on the left side of the shifter base assembly on the center console
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock override remains fully functional as it is a mechanical release. You will not see the gear position indicator illuminate on the instrument cluster, but the transmission will physically be in Neutral. Confirm by attempting to push the vehicle.