🚨 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Discovery Sport uses a rotary gear selector dial that rises from the center console when ignition is activated.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- If you have any 12V power, turn the ignition to position II (ON)—the rotary dial will rise automatically and you can rotate it to Neutral (N) position normally
- If completely dead with no power: locate the shift lock override—look for a small circular or rectangular rubber cap on the center console near the base of the rotary dial selector
- The override is typically located to the right side or directly behind the rotary dial housing on the center console trim
- Pry off the small rubber cap carefully using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override pressed, attempt to manually rotate the gear selector dial to the Neutral position
- Note: If the dial has not risen due to no power, you may need to provide external 12V power via jump pack to the battery terminals or underhood jump points to allow the dial mechanism to rise before it can be rotated
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved—use caution as power steering and brake assist will not function
- For towing or flatbed loading, Land Rover recommends flatbed transport with all four wheels off the ground due to the AWD system
Shift-lock override location
Small rubber cap near the base of the rotary dial on the center console, typically to the right or rear of the dial housing
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the rotary dial will not rise from the console. The shift lock override may release the interlock, but you will likely need to provide external 12V power temporarily (via jump pack or donor vehicle) to energize the dial lift mechanism before the shifter can physically move to Neutral. Without power, steering and brakes will be extremely heavy.