🚨 1991 Jaguar XJ6: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 XJ6 (XJ40 generation) uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a T-handle and a linear PRND21 gate.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position if possible (even with a weak battery, this may release the shift interlock)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: look for a small rectangular or circular cover panel near the base of the shifter on the console
- The override access is typically on the left side or front face of the shifter base within the console trim
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the cover
- Press the brake pedal firmly and insert the screwdriver into the override slot, pressing down or forward (depending on design) to release the shift lock
- While holding the override, press the button on the shifter handle and move the lever to Neutral
- If the vehicle has no power and the steering lock is engaged, you will need to load it onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the shifter on the console, typically on the left side or front face under a small cover panel
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the XJ40 may still allow shifter movement via the mechanical override if you can access the override slot and apply pressure. However, the steering column lock is a significant concern on these models. If the steering wheel is locked, the vehicle cannot be steered and must be flatbedded or towed with front wheels off the ground. You may need to jump-start the vehicle momentarily just to unlock the steering column if it has engaged.