🚨 2017 Citroën C3: Emergency Neutral
The third-generation C3 uses a floor-mounted automatic shifter with a button on the shift knob and electronic shift interlock system.
🧰 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 access
- Look for a small rectangular cover panel on the console trim near the shifter base (typically on the left side toward the driver)
- Carefully pry off the cover panel using a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert a screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move to Neutral
- Replace the cover panel
Shift-lock override location
Console trim near the shifter base, typically on the left side, covered by a small removable panel
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: remove the override access cover near the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the slot, press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral. This mechanically releases the shift lock mechanism without requiring electrical power.