🚨 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Eclipse (2G, first year of second generation) features a floor console shifter with a shift-lock override 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 appropriately.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON if the battery has any charge.
- Locate the shift-lock override access near the base of the shifter—typically a small covered slot on the left or right side of the console.
- Remove the small plastic cover or trim piece concealing the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or hex wrench into the override slot and press down to release the shift-lock mechanism.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small slot near the shifter base on the center console, usually on the left side, concealed by a removable plastic cover.
With zero electrical power
If the battery is completely dead, the shift-lock override provides a mechanical bypass—no electrical power is required. Depress the override with a tool and shift to Neutral without turning the key.