🚨 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal switch.
✓ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON position - do NOT attempt to put the vehicle in READY mode
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the override slot
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If you need to move to Neutral without any power, use the manual override slot method - no power is required for the mechanical override to function
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base (driver's side), small rectangular slot with a removable cover cap
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is purely mechanical and does not require any electrical power. With a completely dead 12V battery, use the override slot method described above. You may need a flashlight to locate the override slot. Note that even with the override, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain will not be in a true 'free-wheeling' state - the vehicle must be flatbedded.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2022 Eclipse Cross is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Even with the shifter in Neutral, the electric motors and transmission may not mechanically disengage. This vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with any wheels touching the pavement, as this can cause severe damage to the hybrid drivetrain components. Shifting to Neutral is only for loading onto the flatbed.