🚨 2016 Aston Martin DB9: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 DB9 GT (final year) uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with a button-release mechanism on top of the shifter knob.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly applied and wheels are chocked
- If battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON position (push start button without brake pedal, or use emergency key in the concealed slot)
- Locate the shift-lock override access point on the console near the shifter base
- Remove the small cover or panel (may be a small rectangular panel on the left side of the shifter surround)
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot
- Press and hold the override mechanism while pressing the button on top of the shifter
- Move the shifter to Neutral position while holding both the override and shifter button
- Release once in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small access panel on the left side of the shifter console base, typically a rectangular cover that can be pried off gently
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you must access the vehicle using the emergency key blade (hidden in the key fob). Once inside, the shift-lock override will work mechanically without power. You may need to manually release the steering lock in some cases. The override bypasses the electronic brake-interlock, allowing the shifter to move to Neutral without pressing the brake pedal or having ignition power. Note that with no power, the transmission will be locked in Park at the transmission level, so the vehicle can only be winched onto a flatbed - the wheels will not roll freely.