🚨 2004 Aston Martin DB9: Emergency Neutral
The 2004 DB9 uses a floor-mounted automatic transmission lever with an electronic shift-by-wire system and button on the shifter handle.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Insert the key and turn to position II (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console - it is typically a small covered opening near the shifter base
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to remove the cover cap
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button
- Move the shifter to Neutral position while holding the override and shifter button
- If unsuccessful, verify the tool is fully inserted and the brake pedal is firmly depressed
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the base of the shifter on the center console; check immediately adjacent to shifter base on either side
With zero electrical power
The DB9 uses an electronic transmission control system. With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override may not fully release the transmission. You may need to provide external 12V power to the battery or use jump-start terminals (typically under the hood) to provide minimal power for the shift interlock system to function. If override does not work with dead battery, flatbed towing is required.