🚨 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Range Rover Sport uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and apply wheel chocks
- Insert the key and turn to the ACC or ON position (even with a dead battery, mechanical key position may help)
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is near the base of the shifter, typically on the right side of the shifter console
- Remove the small rubber or plastic cover over the override slot (may require prying with a small flathead screwdriver)
- Press the brake pedal fully down
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and brake pedal depressed, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If battery is completely dead, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery first to release the steering lock and shift interlock
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base console, under a small removable cover approximately 1 inch from the shifter lever
With zero electrical power
With zero power, attempt the shift lock override procedure first. If steering lock is engaged, you must jump-start the battery to release it before the vehicle can be moved. The 2009 model has a mechanical shift lock override that should work without power, but steering lock requires electrical power to disengage.