🚨 2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 i-MiEV uses a conventional automatic-style console shift lever with a button on top for gear selection.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON if 12V power is available (do not need READY mode).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the shifter button and move the lever to N (Neutral).
- If the 12V battery is dead or brake-light switch has failed, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base.
- Remove the small rubber or plastic cap covering the shift lock override slot.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever to N without pressing the brake pedal.
- Remove the tool and replace the cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a rubber cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, you cannot put the i-MiEV into READY mode, but you can still use the shift lock override to move to Neutral. The shift lock override is mechanical and does not require any electrical power to function.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: The i-MiEV must be transported on a flatbed truck with all wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground as this will rotate the electric motor and can cause severe damage to the drive system and generate dangerous voltage. If the vehicle will not shift to Neutral using the override, it must be placed on wheel dollies or dragged onto the flatbed.