2003 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 179

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work. 1. Set the Parking brake. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. COVER RELEASE BUTTON SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT 3. Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift Lock Release slot cover next to the shift lever. Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver or small metal plate (neither are included in the tool kit) to remove the cover. Carefully pry on the edge of the cover. 4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot. 5. Push down on the key while you press the release button on the shift lever and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral. 6. Remove the key from the Shift Lock Release slot, then reinstall the cover. Make sure the notch on the cover is on the left side. Depress the brake pedal and restart the engine. If you need to use the Shift Lock Release, it means your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer. 178 Driving