🚨 2000-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse: Emergency Neutral
The 2000-2012 Eclipse uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the shifter handle and an electronic shift-lock interlock system (note: fourth generation began in 2006 with revised console design).
🧰 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 (2006+ may use push-button start on some trims)
- For 2000-2005 models: Locate the shift-lock override slot on the console to the left side of the shifter base
- For 2006-2012 models: Locate the shift-lock override slot on the console near the shifter base, typically forward and to the left of the shifter
- 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 near the shifter base; location varies between third generation (2000-2005) and fourth generation (2006-2012) consoles
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. For 2006+ models with push-button start, the 12V system must have power for the start button to activate to ACC mode.