🚨 2013 Ford Taurus: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Taurus uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted lever shifter with 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to ON (or press START without brake pedal for accessory mode)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console
- Remove the cap by prying it gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While holding the tool down (depressing the override mechanism), press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- If the ignition cannot be turned on, you may need to apply firm downward pressure on the shifter while simultaneously pressing the override and shifter button
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base at the console, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, you will not be able to turn the ignition to ON. The shift lock override should still work mechanically—insert tool into override slot, press down firmly, and attempt to shift while pressing the shifter button. If the steering is locked, you may need to rock the steering wheel while attempting to turn the key to ACC position. In rare cases with total electrical failure, a jump start or battery connection may be required to release the shifter.