🚨 2001 Jaguar S-Type: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 S-Type uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a J-gate pattern and electronic shift interlock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover, positioned on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small cover cap over the override slot
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter from Park through the J-gate to Neutral
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll; maintain pressure on the brake and release the parking brake only when ready
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift interlock should mechanically release, but the steering column lock will remain engaged. You may need to use the mechanical key override in the ignition cylinder (turn key to ACC) to unlock the steering column. The override slot may still need to be used to release the shift lock even without power. Flatbed towing is strongly recommended if the steering cannot be unlocked.