🚨 2012 Suzuki Kizashi: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Kizashi uses a conventional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular cover near the base of the shifter, typically on the right side or front of the shifter bezel.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no electrical power, you will still be able to use the mechanical override—the shift lock is mechanical and does not require battery power to release.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover near the shifter base, typically on the right side or forward area of the shifter console—must be pried off to access the release slot beneath
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is mechanical and works without battery power; turn the key to ACC position mechanically if possible to unlock the steering column, then use the override slot to release the shifter.