Driving Your Vehicle

Shift-Lock System and Release

~1min read

Shift Lock System

For your safety, the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) has a shift-lock system that prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) to R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift from P (Park) to R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

3. Move the shift lever.

Shift Lock Release

Hyundai Elantra. Shift-lock system & release

If the shift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) to R (Reverse) with the brake pedal depressed, continue to depress the brake pedal, then do the following:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Carefully remove the cover (1) that covers the shift-lock release access hole.

4. Insert a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.

5. Move the shift lever.

6. Remove the tool from the shift-lock release access hole, then install the cover.

If it is necessary to use the shift-lock release, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer immediately.

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai Elantra AD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.