Kia and Hyundai Shift Lock Release: Getting Out of Park
Kia and Hyundai models with a traditional gear lever have a shift lock release next to the selector. With a flat battery, it's the quickest way to get the car into neutral so it can be moved or loaded.
In short: parking brake on, ignition off, prise off the small cap next to the selector, press down inside the slot with a flat screwdriver or the key, hold the brake pedal and move the lever to N. Newer models with a rotary dial or a column selector have no mechanical release, so they need power or skates.
Where the shift lock release is
On Kia and Hyundai models with a traditional gear lever, there's a small cap on the selector surround, usually just next to or above the P. Underneath it is the access hole for the shift lock release. The exact position is shown in your handbook under "shift lock override" or "shift lock release".
Step by step
- Make the car safe: parking brake on, wheels chocked if you're on a slope.
- Ignition off.
- Prise off the cap covering the shift lock release hole, carefully, with a flat screwdriver or the key blade.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the hole and press down.
- Keep pressing, hold the brake pedal and move the selector out of P into N.
- Remove the tool and refit the cap.
Kia's own guidance covers 2014 and later models with this type of lever. Don't force the selector. If it doesn't move with the release pressed, stop and get help, or the mechanism can be damaged.
Newer models with a rotary dial or column selector
Many newer Kia and Hyundai models, including electric ones like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, use a rotary dial or a selector on the steering column. These only work electronically. With a flat 12 V battery there's no override a driver can use. Jump start the 12 V battery first, then select N as described in the handbook. If that doesn't work, the car is loaded on skates. See flat battery: jump start or recovery?
After it's in neutral
Neutral is for loading the car onto a recovery truck or pushing it a short way, not for towing it along the road. Once it's moved, put it back in P, or chock the wheels if it can't go back into P. The shift lock will work normally again once the battery is charged.
If the selector still won't move
A selector that stays stuck even with power can point to a faulty brake light switch or shift lock solenoid. That's a garage job. We can load the car on skates and take it to your garage or home.
For other makes, see car stuck in Park: shift lock release by make.
Kia and Hyundai Shift Lock FAQs
Where is the shift lock release on a Kia or Hyundai?
Under a small cap on the selector surround, usually next to or above the P. The handbook shows the exact spot under "shift lock override".
Can I use the shift lock release with a dead battery?
Yes, that's what it's for on models with a traditional lever. Ignition off, parking brake on, press down in the slot, hold the brake and move to N.
What tool do I need?
A small flat screwdriver or the blade of the key is enough.
My Kia or Hyundai has a rotary dial. Is there a shift lock release?
Usually not. Dial and column selectors are electronic, so you need 12 V power. Otherwise the car is loaded on skates.
Why is my shifter stuck in Park even with a good battery?
Often a faulty brake light switch or shift lock solenoid. The release gets you out of Park, but it needs fixing at a garage.
Kia or Hyundai Stuck in Park?
Call or WhatsApp us with your location and we’ll arrange recovery to you.
