🚨 2020 Ford Fusion: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Fusion Hybrid uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shifter with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it's a small rectangular cap to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side edge of the shifter surround.
- Using a flathead screwdriver or key, carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (even with no power, mechanical pressure helps) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, the hybrid system will NOT engage - this is flatbed-only transport; do not attempt to push-start or tow with drive wheels on the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side edge of the center console shifter surround.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the override release still works mechanically. However, the hybrid powertrain will be completely inert - the vehicle cannot self-propel. You can shift to Neutral for winching onto a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: Fusion Hybrid must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground or at minimum the front wheels (drive wheels) lifted. Towing with front wheels down will destroy the electric motor/generator and transaxle. The 12V system being dead means the hybrid system cannot enter tow mode.