🚨 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Lancer uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a mechanical shift-lock override release.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is fully engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power exists.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot near the shifter base - typically a small rectangular opening with a removable plastic cap on the right side of the shifter.
- Remove the cap by carefully prying with a flat-blade screwdriver or fingernail.
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the slot and press down firmly.
- While maintaining downward pressure on the override, press the brake pedal if possible and shift from Park to Neutral.
- If the brake pedal cannot be pressed due to loss of power assist, continue applying firm pressure to the override and use steady force to move the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool and reinstall the cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
The shift-lock override is a mechanical system that does not require electrical power to function. With a dead battery, power brake assist will be absent, making the pedal very stiff, but the override mechanism itself will still operate. Apply firm continuous pressure to both the override and the shifter.