What Is the Little Slot Next to the Gear Shift In My Car?

Over the years, car innovations have transformed how we drive, making even basic models smarter and packed with features. From infotainment systems to customizable climate settings, every inch of modern cars is designed to impress. But with all this progress comes one little problem: dashboards and gear shifts are now cluttered with so many buttons, knobs, and mystery features, it’s easy to overlook some of their most useful details.

Take the tiny, unassuming slot on your gear shift, for instance. Tucked away in most cars, it’s so discreet that many drivers go years without noticing it. And even if you do spot it, chances are you’ll shrug and move onuntil you really need it.

Ahead, we’ll uncover the purpose of that oft-overlooked slot and explain why it’s a lifesaver hiding in plain sight.

What Is the Little Slot On My Gear Shift?

That little box resembling a tiny SD slot either to the left or right side of your gear shift is actually a compartment that houses the shift lock release button. In some cars, the button is not hidden in a compartment.

What Does the Shift Lock Release Button Do?

Cars with automatic transmissions come with shift lock, a safety feature that prevents drivers from shifting into a different gear unless the car is on and your foot is on the brake. While this feature is necessary to avoid unnecessary accidents, there’s a slight chance that it could also prevent someone from moving their car when it brakes down.

For example, if your car’s battery dies and you need to move it to be serviced, you wouldn’t be able to shift it into neutral and push the car without stepping on the brake. The shift lock release button solves this issue, as it allows you to override the shift lock feature to shift your vehicle into the desired gear.

How To Use the Shift Lock Release Button

Depending on your vehicle, the shift lock release may be activated with varying levels of ease.

If your shift lock release button isn’t hidden behind a compartment, you can simply press and hold the button down to activate it and shift your car into neutral. Once you’ve moved the car to the desired location, remember to shift it back into park using the same method.

However, if your shift lock release is hidden behind a compartment with a slot, the process is slightly more complicated:

• First, you’ll need a flat tool (like a key or a screwdriver) to remove the compartment’s lid, exposing the button. Simply press your tool into the slot and leverage it to lift the lid off the compartment.
• Once the compartment is removed, the shift release button will most likely be recessed inside the compartment. Use the same tool you used to remove the lid to compress and hold down the button.
• Once the vehicle is moved, use the same tool to compress the shift lock release and shift the car back into park before replacing the lid on the button’s compartment.

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