🚨 2002 Land Rover Range Rover: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Range Rover (P38A generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 level ground and parking brake is firmly applied
- Turn the ignition key to position II (ignition on) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover directly adjacent to the shifter base on the right side (passenger side) of the shift lever
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cover over the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter still won't move, keep the override pressed and try rocking the shifter gently while pulling the shift release button on the front of the lever
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift lever console trim
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is mechanical and should still function. However, the steering lock will engage and the steering wheel will not turn. You must jump-start the vehicle or use an external 12V source to at least power the ignition system momentarily to unlock the steering column before the vehicle can be safely moved under its own wheels. For flatbed loading, the steering lock is not a concern.