By Paul B. Michaels
Author & Photographer
Auto Mechanic Since 1989
2018 Sportage Shift Knob
Transmission In Park
Kia Sportage Shift Lock Release Instructions
How to release the shift lock mechanism in a 4th generation 2017-2022 Kia Sportage and move the transmission into Neutral.
| By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 | ||
| 2018 Sportage Shift Knob | Transmission In Park | |
| This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fourth generation (2017, 2018, 2019 and possibly also the refreshed 2020, 2021 and 2022) Kia Sportage SUV in moving the transmission to neutral by releasing the shift lock mechanism. This may be necessary in order to move the car by pushing it manually or to have it towed if the car won't start due to running out of gas, a dead 12V battery or some other electrical or mechanical issue. | ||
Owners of other Kia, Hyundai and Genesis vehicles such as the Niro, Optima, Soul, Forte, Rio, Stinger, Cadenza, K900, Sorento, Telluride, Sedona, Kona, Santa Fe, Tucson, Elantra, Sonata, Accent, Veloster, Ioniq, Nexo, Palisade, G70, G80 and G90 may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
The only tool needed to complete this procedure is a small flathead screwdriver or a small plastic pry bar tool.
The first step is to sit in the driver's seat.
The cover has the words "Shift Lock Release" printed on it in white letters.
Insert the screwdriver or plastic pry bar tool into the small notch on the rear edge of the cover (located closer to "P").
Gently push down the white plastic button and hold it in place.
Push the shift knob back into the "N" (Neutral) position.
Re-insert the plastic cover and gently snap it back into place.
