🚨 1997 Ford Taurus: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Taurus uses a column-mounted gear selector lever with a push-button shift lock release system.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override access hole — it is a small circular opening in the column shroud directly below and to the right of the shifter lever
- Remove the small rubber or plastic cap covering the access hole
- Insert a small screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the hole and push firmly to depress the manual release mechanism
- While holding the release depressed, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- If the steering wheel is locked, you may need to turn the key to ACC while moving the wheel slightly to unlock it before the shifter will release
Shift-lock override location
Small access hole in the steering column shroud directly below and to the right of the shifter lever, covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock should not engage, but the steering column lock will prevent key rotation. You may need to disconnect the battery negative terminal if it's shorted (causing lock engagement), or jump-start minimally to get ACC power for steering unlock. The mechanical override works without power once you can access it.