🚨 1993 Ford Bronco: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 Bronco uses a column-mounted shifter with a button-release mechanism on the lever handle.
🧰 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 set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override access point on the steering column near the base of the shifter lever.
- Look for a small removable plastic cover or cap on the column shroud, typically on the right side of the shifter base.
- Remove the cover by gently prying it with a flat-head screwdriver or fingernail.
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
On the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter lever, under a small removable plastic cover, typically on the right side of the column.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override should still function. Turn the key to ACC position mechanically to unlock the steering column. If the steering lock cannot be disengaged, the front wheels must be lifted or the vehicle placed on a flatbed to prevent damage to the steering mechanism.