🚨 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Emergency Neutral
The 1999 Eclipse (second generation) uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the front of the shifter handle and an electronic shift-lock mechanism.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift-lock override slot, which is a small covered opening near the base of the shifter on the console
- Remove the small plastic cap or cover from the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the battery is completely dead and the key will not turn, you must jump-start the 12V battery first or provide external 12V power to activate the shift-lock solenoid
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot at the base of the shifter console, typically on the left or right side of the shifter base near the shift boot
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the steering lock and shift-lock cannot be released electronically. You must provide 12V power via jump-start or battery charger to the vehicle's electrical system before the shift-lock override will function. The ignition key must be able to turn to at least the ACC position.