🚨 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Eclipse (third generation debut) uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the shifter handle and an electronic shift-lock interlock 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
- 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 release, which is accessed via a small covered slot on the console near the shifter base
- Pry off or remove the small plastic cover from the override slot using a flathead screwdriver
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, ignition 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, you must first provide 12V power via jump-start cables to enable the shift-lock override to function
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the console to the left side of the shifter base, near the shift boot
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift-lock remains engaged and the steering column lock cannot be released. You must connect a jump-start power source or battery charger to the 12V battery before the shift-lock override mechanism will function. The ignition must be able to turn to at least ACC position.