🚨 2016 Citroën C3: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 C3 (second generation, Phase 2) uses a floor-mounted automatic shifter with a button on the shift knob and electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Press the button on the shift knob and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter will not release from Park, locate the shift lock override near the shifter base
- Look for a small cover or access panel on the console trim surrounding the shifter base
- Remove the cover panel (it typically pries off with a small flathead screwdriver)
- Insert a screwdriver or key blade into the exposed override slot and press down
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the shifter button and move to Neutral
- Replace the cover panel
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter base, accessed via a small removable cover panel on the console surround; exact side varies by console design
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: locate and remove the small cover panel near the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the override slot, press down firmly while pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral. The mechanical override releases the shift lock solenoid mechanically.