What is the name of the hole cover next to the gear shift?
4 Answers
The hole cover next to the gear shift is called the gear shift anti-lock hole, which allows free gear shifting when the car has no power. Below are the specific reasons for gear shift lock-up: 1. Clutch failure: The clutch failure results in insufficient clutch separation travel. In such cases, it is recommended to go to a repair shop to adjust the separation travel. 2. Excessive gear shift self-locking force: This is caused by excessive self-locking force of the clutch gear shift. In this situation, it is advised to go to a repair shop to adjust the clutch cable and gear shift lock. 3. Transmission plate failure: The transmission plate of the clutch pressure plate assembly is deformed for some reason, causing poor separation. In this case, the pressure plate matching the original car should be replaced.
Last time I washed my car, I also noticed that small hole cover next to the gear shift. After asking my mechanic friend, I learned that it's the emergency shift lock release cover. It's usually covered for aesthetics and dust prevention, but it serves a critical purpose in emergencies: if the car loses power or the transmission fails and gets stuck in P (Park), you can pry open the cover with a key to manually unlock the gear shift. Just last time, when my neighbor's new energy vehicle had a battery failure and the gear got locked, they used this method to shift to N (Neutral) for towing to the repair shop. I recommend all car owners remember this spot—though it may seem insignificant, it can be a lifesaver in emergencies. However, before attempting any operation, it's best to check the manual to confirm the tool specifications.
That cover is called the emergency release cover, specifically designed for situations like vehicle power failure or gear shift malfunctions. I've personally experienced it: once during a road trip, my car stalled and wouldn't start again, with the gear stubbornly stuck in 'P'. Using a coin to pry open the cover and poking the metal rod inside, the transmission clicked and unlocked, allowing me to push the car to the roadside. This design is like a safety rope for cars. I strongly recommend new drivers to try locating it on their own cars in advance using a toothpick, to avoid panic in a real emergency.
My friend studied this cover right after picking up his new car, officially called the shift lock release port. Underneath the cover lies a mechanical unlocking lever specifically designed for electronic gearshift failures. Modern cars have numerous electronic components, and many owners encounter gearshift malfunctions after driving through water on rainy days—this device allows for manual override. Experienced technicians also check the seal of the cover, as sand or debris entering could jam the mechanism. It's recommended to clean the surrounding gaps during annual maintenance.
