🚨 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Outlander PHEV (fourth generation redesign) uses a conventional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Attempt to power on the vehicle: press the power button while pressing the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift-lock override access: look for a small cover/cap near the base of the shifter on the center console (typically on the front or right side of the shifter base).
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully remove the override cover.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- With the shifter in Neutral and if the vehicle can be powered on, access the vehicle settings menu on the center touchscreen and enable TOW MODE to disengage the electric motor systems.
- If tow mode cannot be enabled, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover near the shifter base on the center console; exact location (front, right, or left side of base) should be confirmed in owner's manual, but typically found forward or to the passenger side of the shifter
With zero electrical power
If the 12V battery is completely dead, the shift-lock override should still function mechanically to release the shifter to Neutral. However, you will need to jump-start the 12V auxiliary battery (under hood) to power on the vehicle and access the infotainment system to enable tow mode. Without tow mode enabled, do NOT tow with wheels on the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a plug-in hybrid with electric motors driving the wheels. Even with the shifter in Neutral, you MUST enable tow mode through the vehicle settings menu (when vehicle is powered on) to fully disengage the electric drive system and parking pawl. If the 12V battery is dead and cannot be jump-started to enable tow mode, transport ONLY on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Towing with wheels down without tow mode WILL cause severe drivetrain damage to the electric motor and transmission systems.