Why is my Civic unable to be shifted out of park? I read the manual and noticed there is a little slot next to the gear shifter (automatic transmission) that the key will fit into so that something unlocks and the gear shifter can be shifted out of "park" and into another gear. If the Honda has this "override" does that mean that this is a common problem?
Anyone else dealing with this?

 

Try inserting your key in the ignition and turning it two clicks, then step on the brakes. No, this is not a common issue. They have this on almost ALL cars.

 

The slot next to the shifter is for towing. It will let you move the shifter into neutral without having the key in the ignition. Since you can't remove the key from the ignition without being in park, and you can't move the shifter out of park without the key in the on position, Honda did this so that you don't kill your battery when towing your car.

In order to shift out of park normally, you have to press the brake. This is a feature in ALL automatic cars. My 1995 Taurus was even like this.


The manual talks about all of this. Make sure you read a little closer next time (not trying to be an *** but I'm just sayin'...).