🚨 2018 Jaguar XJ: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 XJ (X351 generation) uses a rotary dial gear selector that rises from the center console when the ignition is on.
🧰 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
- Locate the shift lock release cover on the center console to the right of the rotary shifter dial
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry up the small rectangular cover (approximately 1 inch long)
- Press the brake pedal (if you have any electrical power) or insert a screwdriver into the exposed shift lock override slot
- While pressing down on the override, turn the rotary dial counterclockwise to the N position
- If the rotary dial has retracted due to no power, you may need to manually pull it up slightly while accessing the override
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover to the right of the rotary shifter dial on center console
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the rotary dial will retract flush into the console. You must still access the shift lock override slot (under the cover to the right of the dial) and use a screwdriver to press the override mechanism. The dial may need to be manually lifted slightly to rotate it to neutral. If the steering column lock has engaged, the steering wheel will be locked and the vehicle must be loaded with the front wheels on dollies or a flatbed.