Honda Civic
Transmission Shift Lock Release Guide
How to release the transmission lock and
shift into neutral in a tenth generation 2016 to 2019 Honda Civic.
 2016 Civic Shift Knob |
 Center Console |
 Slide Back Cup Holders |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the tenth
generation 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Honda Civic in releasing the
transmission lock mechanism in order to move the shift knob to the neutral
position.
This may be necessary if the engine won't start due to a weak 12 volt car battery, running out of gas, an electrical issue or some other mechanical problem. Owners of other Honda or Acura vehicles such as the Accord, Insight, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Odyssey, Ridgeline, ILX, MDX, RDX, NSX, RLX and TLX may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The only tool needed to complete this procedure is a small thin straight piece of metal such as a paper clip, a micro screwdriver or a nail. Move to the driver seat of the vehicle. Firmly push down the brake pedal and hold it in place to make sure the car doesn't move unexpectedly. Slide the two cup holders in the center console back towards the rear of the car. |
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 Cup Holders Out of the Way |
 Small Hole Below Shifter |
 Insert Paper Clip |
| Once the two cup
holders are retracted out of the way, you'll be able to see the small
opening in the plastic panel located just behind the shifter housing. Carefully insert the straightened paper clip or small screwdriver into the hole. |
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 Push In Release Button |
 Shift Lock Released |
 Move To Neutral Gear |
| You'll be able to
feel the spring loaded release button inside the opening. Press the button in towards the front of the car and hold it in place. With your other hand, move the shift knob back to the "Neutral" position. Keep your foot on the brake pedal until your assistants are ready to push the car. If the 12V battery is still in good condition, make sure that the electronic parking brake (EPB) has been released before the car is moved. |
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 Manually Move Car |
 Shift Knob To Park |
 Replace Cup Holders |
| Once you are done
moving the car. Shift the transmission back into park. Slide the cup holders back into place. Please check out all of my
2016-2019 Honda Civic DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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