🚨 2018 Aston Martin DB11: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Aston Martin DB11 uses an electronic push-button gear selector array on the center console, with separate buttons for P, R, N, and D/S.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and apply wheel chocks.
- If 12V battery has power: Insert the key fob and press the START/STOP button without pressing the brake pedal to activate accessory mode.
- Press the Neutral (N) button on the center console push-button array to shift into Neutral.
- Release the electronic parking brake by pressing the EPB switch (if it has power).
- If 12V battery is completely dead: Open the hood and locate the 12V battery in the engine bay.
- Connect jumper cables or a portable jump starter to the 12V battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to chassis ground).
- Once auxiliary power is restored, enter the vehicle and press START/STOP to accessory mode, then press the Neutral button.
- There is no mechanical shift-lock override cable on the DB11; the transmission requires 12V power to shift electronically.
- If the electronic parking brake will not release even with power, look for an EPB manual release—this may require accessing the rear calipers and using the emergency release mechanism (consult service manual; typically involves removing a plug on each rear caliper and using an Allen key or proprietary tool).
With zero electrical power
The DB11's push-button shifter is fully electronic and requires 12V power. With a dead battery, you must jump-start the vehicle from the 12V battery under the hood. Connect an external 12V source (jumper cables or jump pack), restore accessory power via the START/STOP button, and then press the Neutral button. No mechanical override cable exists. If the EPB will not release electrically, you may need to manually release the rear brake calipers using the emergency release procedure (requires tools and access to rear calipers).