🚨 2024 Dacia Spring: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Dacia Spring is a battery-electric vehicle with a column-mounted electronic shifter (small lever on the right side of the steering column).
✓ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake if possible.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button without brake pedal, or use emergency 12V power source).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Move the column shifter lever to N (Neutral) position.
- If the shifter will not move due to shift-lock, locate the small shift-lock override slot near the base of the column shifter.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while moving the shifter to N.
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll freely—ensure it is properly secured before releasing the parking brake.
Shift-lock override location
Small slot or button near the base of the column shifter assembly, typically covered by a small cap that can be pried off with a flathead screwdriver.
With zero electrical power
With absolutely no 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function. You must provide temporary 12V power (jump pack or jumper cables to another vehicle) to energize the shifter electronics, even briefly, to select Neutral. Alternatively, prepare for flatbed towing with all wheels off the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a battery-electric vehicle with no conventional transmission. If the high-voltage system is damaged or faulted, DO NOT attempt to tow with any wheels on the ground—the electric motor is directly connected to the driven wheels and can generate dangerous voltage or cause motor damage. Use flatbed towing only. If you must move the vehicle a very short distance for loading, Neutral mode with 12V power is acceptable, but confirm no HV system warnings are present.