🚨 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Outlander uses a conventional console-mounted CVT shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cover cap
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar thin tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down while physically moving the shifter to Neutral without the brake pedal
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap approximately 1 inch long
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Insert tool into override slot, press down firmly, and move shifter to Neutral. You may need to rock the vehicle slightly if the parking pawl is under load. The ignition does not need to be in any particular position when using the manual override with no power.