🚨 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport: Emergency Neutral
The 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport uses an electronic rotary gear selector dial (e-shifter) on the center console throughout this generation.
🧰 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 parking brake is engaged and wheels are chocked
- Attempt to turn ignition to ON/RUN position if any battery power remains (do not start)
- With ignition ON and brake pedal depressed, rotate the dial counterclockwise to Neutral
- If shift-lock is engaged due to failed brake switch, locate the shift-lock override access
- The override is accessed through a small covered slot in the lower console trim panel below and forward of the rotary dial
- Remove the small plastic cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and push/hold while attempting to rotate dial to Neutral
- If completely dead battery: the rotary dial shifter may not function electronically - see no-power notes
Shift-lock override location
Lower console trim panel below and forward of the rotary dial, under small plastic cover
With zero electrical power
The rotary e-shifter requires electrical power to function. With completely dead battery, the electronic transmission may already be in Park-lock. You may need to access the transmission directly: locate the manual shift lever on the transmission itself (underneath vehicle, driver-side of transmission case) and mechanically move it to Neutral position for towing. This requires getting under the vehicle safely. Alternative: provide jump-start power to use the override procedure. Consult service manual for transmission manual lever location specifics.