🚨 2010 Kia Soul: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 Soul uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission shift lever with a mechanical shift-lock tied to the brake pedal.
✓ 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 the wheels.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot—it's under a small rectangular cap directly to the right of the shifter base (toward the passenger side).
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the cap.
- Insert a screwdriver or the ignition key into the exposed slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral without pressing the brake pedal.
- The vehicle can now be rolled or towed in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Under a small rectangular cap directly to the right of the shifter base on the console
With zero electrical power
The shift-lock override on the 2010 Soul is fully mechanical and does not require battery power to function. Even with a completely dead battery, the override will release the shifter. Ensure the parking brake is released (it is a mechanical foot-operated brake, so it will release even without power).