🚨 2019 Mitsubishi eK Wagon: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 eK Wagon (Japanese domestic market kei car) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a traditional PRND gate and mechanical shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (ACC or ON with key, or press START button once or twice without brake).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lock release button on the shifter (typically on the front or top of the shifter handle) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no electrical power or the shift lock will not release: locate the shift lock override—look for a small rectangular or circular cap/cover near the shifter base on the console.
- Remove the cap or cover (it may pry off with a fingernail or flat tool).
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar flat tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the tool down in the override slot, move the shifter to Neutral (you may need to press the shifter button simultaneously).
- Release the tool and verify the shifter remains in Neutral; re-apply parking brake.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot or access hole near the base of the center console shifter, typically on the left side or directly in front of the shifter base; look for a small rectangular cap that can be pried off.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, use the mechanical shift lock override. The eK Wagon's shift lock is mechanically driven by a solenoid; the override physically bypasses this solenoid. Insert a tool into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure while moving the shifter. If the key cannot be turned or removed, the steering lock may also be engaged—ensure the steering wheel is not bound and turned slightly while attempting to turn the key.