If the Kia Cee’d emergency park release is needed because the gear selector becomes stuck in P (Park), the built-in manual override allows the shifter to be moved. This procedure is intended for situations where the transmission cannot be shifted normally.
This guide applies to Kia Cee’d (ED) models built between 2007 and 2012, including vehicles equipped with the 1.6 16V G4FC engine.
Applicable Vehicle
- Make: Kia
- Model: Cee’d
- Generation: ED
- Years: 2007–2012
- Engine: 1.6 16V (G4FC)
- Procedure type: Automatic transmission emergency park release
When This Procedure Is Needed
Use this procedure if the gear lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) through normal operation. This may happen because of a shift-lock problem, electrical issue, or low battery condition.
How to Release the Gear Lever from Park
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate and remove the small cover near the gear selector.
- Insert the ignition key into the emergency release opening.
- Push the key down into the opening.
- While holding the release, move the gear lever out of P.
- Remove the key once the selector has been moved.
- Refit the cover after the procedure is complete.
Important Notes
- This is an emergency override only and does not repair the underlying fault.
- If the selector repeatedly becomes stuck in Park, the shift-lock system should be inspected.
- After using the emergency release, the vehicle should be checked and repaired if necessary.
After the Emergency Release
If the transmission selector was stuck because of an electrical or mechanical problem, do not assume the issue is resolved just because the lever now moves. The fault should still be diagnosed properly. In many cases, a low battery, brake switch fault, or shifter interlock issue may be involved.
More Procedures for This Vehicle
Looking for more maintenance procedures for this generation? Visit the Kia Cee’d (ED) maintenance hub to browse all published guides for this model range.