🚨 1993 Mitsubishi Diamante: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 Diamante uses a floor-mounted console automatic shifter with a mechanical shift lock mechanism.
🧰 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override—look for a small plastic cap or access slot on the left side of the shifter base near the shift button
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and push down or toward the shifter
- While holding the override, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- The override mechanically releases the shift lock pawl, allowing movement without brake signal
- Replace the cap after shifting to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot on the left side of the shifter base, near where the shift button is located on the shifter handle
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the mechanical override still works. The shift lock in this generation is a simple solenoid-actuated pawl. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply pressure while shifting—no electrical power is required for the override to function.