🚨 2020 Land Rover Defender 110: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Defender 110 uses a rotary dial electronic shifter on the center console, with all gear selections controlled electronically through the transmission control module.
✓ 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 set and wheels are chocked.
- Attempt to start the vehicle or at least get it into accessory mode by pressing the start button without pressing the brake pedal.
- If power is available, turn the rotary selector counterclockwise to the Neutral position.
- If there is no power, the rotary dial will not function - the transmission remains in Park electronically and cannot be overridden manually.
- For the mild-hybrid: If the 12V battery is dead, you may need to jump-start the 12V system or use the emergency battery access points (positive terminal under hood, negative ground point on chassis) to restore minimal power.
- Once minimal 12V power is restored, turn the ignition to accessory mode and rotate the selector to Neutral.
- If you cannot restore any 12V power, flatbed towing is required - the vehicle cannot be shifted out of Park without electrical power to the transmission control system.
With zero electrical power
The 2020 Defender uses an electronic rotary dial shifter with no mechanical shift lock override. Without 12V battery power, the transmission cannot be shifted out of Park. You must either jump-start the 12V battery using the jump points under the hood (positive terminal on fuse box, negative on chassis ground), or use a portable jump pack to restore minimal power. Only then can you rotate the dial to Neutral. If the 12V system cannot be revived, the vehicle must be flatbed towed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The 2020 Defender 110 is available as a mild-hybrid (48V system). The mild-hybrid system still relies on the 12V battery for all accessory and transmission control functions. A dead 12V battery will prevent shifting even though the 48V system may be functional. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow this vehicle - always use a flatbed or wheel-lift with rear wheels up. The electronic transmission and drivetrain components can be damaged by flat-towing without power.