Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 173

Shift Lock Release
Do this if pushing on the brake pedal
and pressing the release button does
not shift the transmission out of
Park:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
3. Put a cloth on the notch of the
shift lock release slot cover. Using
a small flat-tipped screwdriver or a
metal fingernail file, carefully pry
on the notch of the cover to
remove it.
NOTCH
COVER
4. Insert a key into the shift lock
release slot.
5. Push down on the key while you
press the release button on the
shift lever and move the lever out
of Park to neutral.
Automatic Transmission
RELEASE
BUTTON
SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT
6. Remove the key from the shift
lock release slot, then reinstall the
cover. Make sure the notch on the
cover is on the shift lever side.
Return the key to the ignition
switch, press the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the shift lock
release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have it
checked by your dealer.
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