🚨 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Lancer uses a conventional automatic console shift lever with P-R-N-D gate and a button on the shifter 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 (or ACC if ON is not available).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the button on the shift lever and move it to N (Neutral).
- If the 12V battery is dead or the brake-light switch has failed, locate the shift lock override access.
- Look for a small rectangular cap or slot near the base of the shifter console, typically forward and to the left of the shifter lever.
- Pry off the small plastic cap with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever to N (Neutral).
- Remove the tool and replace the cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot near the forward-left area of the shifter base console, covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override allows mechanical release of the shifter. You do not need ignition power to use the override - it is purely mechanical. However, having at least ACC or ON power may allow electronic park release if equipped with electronic parking brake (not common on 2017 Lancer).