🚨 2018 Ford Taurus: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 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 (press START button 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 you cannot achieve accessory mode, 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 activate accessory mode with the push-button start. 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 this fails, a brief jump start or 12V power connection to unlock the shifter may be necessary before disconnecting for towing.