🚨 2016 Ford Fusion: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Fusion Hybrid uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shifter with an electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON or ACC position if 12V power is available (key in ignition, press start button twice without brake).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter assembly.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap gently.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If you cannot get to Neutral, leave the override depressed and attempt to rock the shifter through positions until Neutral is reached.
- Once in Neutral, release the override and replace the cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter assembly).
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock will not release electrically. You must use the mechanical shift lock override. The ignition may need to be placed in ACC using the physical key (if equipped with push-button start, the vehicle will not respond). The override slot can still be accessed and pressed to manually release the shifter. You may need to apply significant force. If the 12V battery is completely dead and the hybrid system will not initialize, the vehicle cannot be driven and must be towed on a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Fusion Hybrid cannot be flat-towed with drive wheels on the ground. The electric drive components will be damaged. Always use a flatbed or tow with the front wheels off the ground using a wheel-lift. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle with a dead 12V battery; the hybrid system will not function and the vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode.