3.3TT How to stay in Neutral?

[James Wilkins]

So I just purchased an accident damaged Stinger GT, but because the damage is in the front end (radiator, oil cooler, intercooler, etc all smashed) I don’t really want to start it.
The problem is, I can’t seem to find a way to put the car in Neutral without starting the engine... I’ve read through the manuals and all it says is to make sure that the vehicle is in Neutral when flat towing, except it doesn’t tell me how to do that. Even if I start it, put it in neutral then turn it off, the car automatically puts itself back in Park.
I even tried pulling out that little tab infront of the shifter and trying all kinds of combinations by pressing the button in there, still nothing.

Am I Blind, Stupid or both? Anyone know what I need to do?

 

[StingerNYC]

Hold the start button without pressing the brake until the car is in run and you should be able to shift. Not at my car to try it but that's my best guess!

 

[AV8R]

So I just purchased an accident damaged Stinger GT, but because the damage is in the front end (radiator, oil cooler, intercooler, etc all smashed) I don’t really want to start it.
The problem is, I can’t seem to find a way to put the car in Neutral without starting the engine... I’ve read through the manuals and all it says is to make sure that the vehicle is in Neutral when flat towing, except it doesn’t tell me how to do that. Even if I start it, put it in neutral then turn it off, the car automatically puts itself back in Park.
I even tried pulling out that little tab infront of the shifter and trying all kinds of combinations by pressing the button in there, still nothing.

Am I Blind, Stupid or both? Anyone know what I need to do?

Hi James, you’re not any of the above but we would like to know where your from so can you edit your profile to reflect that thanks.

 

[DaJackson]

Hold the start button without pressing the brake until the car is in run and you should be able to shift. Not at my car to try it but that's my best guess!

Should just have to press the start button twice without the brake on and you’ll be able to move it to Neutral.

 

[James Wilkins]

Ugh nothing’s working. I put the ignition on and it just won’t go into Neutral. Whether I’m pressing the brake or the Handbrake’s on or off. How are you supposed to tow one when it’s in an accident? How do they winch it onto the tow truck if it’s permanently in Park? I even phoned a major Kia dealer and they don’t know how to do it.
Anyone know who I can ask?

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Just a thought, start car, put it in neutral then switch car off....see if that keeps it in N.

 

[James Wilkins]

Just a thought, start car, put it in neutral then switch car off....see if that keeps it in N.

Yeah I tried that, the computer kicks in and puts it back in Park.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Ok, in your manual refer to section 5, pages 27, 28 & 29 it has a procedure in there, ie Parking in Neutral. Especially page 29.

 

[James Wilkins]

Ok, in your manual refer to section 5, pages 27, 28 & 29 it has a procedure in there, ie Parking in Neutral.

Hmm okay thanks, I’ll have a look when I’m back with the car.

 

[Marc Collins]

Ok, in your manual refer to section 5, pages 27, 28 & 29 it has a procedure in there, ie Parking in Neutral. Especially page 29.

In Canada, it's page 5-24, but still called "Parking in Neutral" so you should be good to go.

 

[James Wilkins]

Okay I finally did it. Turns out you have to take off the parking brake, turn the ignition off, press the brake then hold the shift-lock/override button under the little panel. Obviously I didn’t quite try the perfect combination before.
Thanks for the help.

 

[D.J.]

You can make this a tool-less operation by trimming the 4 tabs on the underside of cosmetic cap..

See here
Kia Stinger tool-less shift to neutral with engine off - just trim the 4 tabs/legs

 

[Toddasaurus]

Dang... This is good information. Thank you for that! I needed a tow last week, and I just had the engine on so it could stay in neutral when they hooked me up and pulled me on to the platform. Didn't even think to check the owners manual. *Facepalm*