🚨 2005 Ford Five Hundred: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Ford Five Hundred uses a column-mounted shifter lever with electronic shift lock integrated into the steering column mechanism.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to the ON or ACC position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override access - there is a small plastic cap or cover on the lower steering column shroud near the base of the shifter stalk
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the small access cap
- Insert a screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the override hole and press firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter release button and moving the column shifter to Neutral
- If working with NO battery power, the mechanical override still functions - insert the tool into the override slot and press while moving the shifter
Shift-lock override location
Small access hole with plastic cap on the lower steering column shroud, typically below and slightly to the side of the shifter stalk base - look for a small rectangular or circular cap near where the shifter enters the column
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the mechanical shift lock override still functions on the column shifter. The override mechanism is spring-loaded and does not require electrical power. Insert the tool into the override access hole, press firmly, and move the shifter to Neutral. Note that without power, the steering wheel will remain locked unless you can get the key to the ACC position (may require rocking the steering wheel while turning the key).