🚨 2007 Ford Taurus: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 Taurus uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a brake-transmission shift interlock (BTSI).
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position if battery power is available (not required if dead)
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a rubber cap located on the underside of the steering column shroud, directly below and to the right of the shifter lever
- Remove the rubber cap from the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the slot approximately 1 inch deep
- While pressing the tool down to depress the override release, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Keep foot on brake pedal during this procedure if power is available; if no power, the override will still function mechanically
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with rubber cap on underside of steering column shroud, directly below and to the right of the shifter lever
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is a mechanical release and works without any electrical power. With a dead battery, you will not be able to turn the steering wheel (steering lock engaged), so the vehicle must be towed on a flatbed or with front wheels off the ground. The override mechanism can be accessed and operated with zero voltage.