🚨 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Eclipse (1G) features a floor console-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift-lock system.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels if on an incline.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if any battery power remains.
- Locate the shift-lock override access, typically a small slot or removable trim piece on the left or right side of the shifter base.
- Pry off or remove the small plastic cover concealing the override slot.
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or Allen wrench into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the shifter release button and shift from Park to Neutral.
- Release the override tool and reinstall the cover.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot near the shifter base, usually on the left side of the console surround; may require removing a small trim cap.
With zero electrical power
If the battery is completely dead, the shift-lock override provides a purely mechanical release—no electrical power is required. Simply depress the override mechanism with a tool and shift to Neutral without turning the key.