If your shifter gets stuck, an emergency release can be accessed to override the shifter mechanism manually. The shifter assembly is usually equipped with actuators that release the locking mechanism, allowing the vehicle to be put into drive, neutral, or reverse gear. This guide will show you how to get the shifter unstuck from the park position on a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Electronic actuators are susceptible to damage by liquids such as soda or water getting into the shifting mechanism. If this occurs, the driver may be stranded. Simply follow the steps below to get your vehicle out of parking gear. You will no longer be stranded or without a vehicle!
Symptoms
Common causes of the vehicle being stuck in park position:
- Shifter actuator malfunction
- Faulty brake light switch
- Transmission fault
- Steering wheel interlock fault
What you will need
- Flathead Screwdriver
- or something to pry with
Procedure
- First, ensure the vehicle is not running and the parking brake is engaged. Also, apply the brakes manually on foot to avoid the vehicle rolling when it is taken out of Park.
- Then, using a flathead screwdriver, locate the square outline on the top right corner of the shifter assembly. A plastic square is inserted into the slot. Use the screwdriver and gently pry it out.
- This will expose the shift lock override. Use a flathead screwdriver or whatever tool fits in the hole and press down. This will unlock the shifter and can now be taken out of the park position.
- Remember to keep your foot on the brake while taking the vehicle out of Park. The vehicle can be started and shifted into gear to be driven. You are done!
Vehicle Applications
All Mitsubishi models include Galant, Lancer Evo, Outlander, Eclipse, Mirage, and more. All year models including current-gen: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
I got my vehicle unstuck from the park position, but what do I need to repair?
The vehicle will need to be diagnosed. One of the best places to start will be to see if the actuators on the shifter assembly are getting power. This can be done with a digital multimeter. If it is getting power and not working, it would be a telltale sign the assembly needs to be replaced.
If it is not getting power, the next place to check would be the brake switch; check to see if it is getting power. If it is not getting power, a simple check on the fuses could also be done easily. These are the most common faults, and if the problem isn’t found, more in-depth troubleshooting and diagnosis will likely need to be done on the electrical circuit controlling the shift lock system.
We hope you find the Mitsubishi Shift Transmission from Park to Neutral guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mitsubishi.