🚨 2006 Ford Five Hundred: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Ford Five Hundred uses a column-mounted shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the column shroud, just below the shifter lever base.
- Remove the small rectangular rubber cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the slot and push firmly down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If no battery power is available, you must connect an external 12V power source (jumper pack or another vehicle) to energize the shift interlock system, then follow the override procedure.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the column shroud, just below the shifter lever base, covered by a small rectangular rubber cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift interlock cannot be mechanically overridden without power. Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to provide 12V power to the vehicle's electrical system, then use the shift lock override procedure. The ignition does not need to start, only electrical power needs to be present.