🚨 2023 Dacia Sandero: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Sandero uses a conventional floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the small rectangular shift-lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If moving to a flatbed, you can continue to release the shifter fully and roll the vehicle
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base near P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot is mechanical and will still function. You may need a flashlight to locate the override slot. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed rather than towed with front wheels on the ground.