🚨 2017 Lincoln Continental: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Continental uses an electronic push-button gear selector located on the center console.
✓ 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 firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Attempt to turn the ignition to ON/RUN mode using the push-button start (if any 12V power remains, press START without foot on brake).
- If the battery is completely dead, you must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to gain any electrical function—the push-button shifter is fully electronic and has no mechanical override accessible to the driver.
- Once minimal power is restored, press the brake pedal and press the Neutral (N) button on the shifter panel.
- If the shift interlock is the issue (not battery), look for a small shift lock override access near the push-button shifter assembly, typically a small rubber cover or slot near the base of the button panel; consult the owner's manual for exact location as it may be hidden under a trim piece.
- Insert a small screwdriver or key into the override slot (if present) and hold while pressing the Neutral button.
- If no override is accessible or functional, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels off the ground; do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Push-button shifters typically have a small override access near the shifter panel base, but exact location is not always driver-accessible; check owner's manual or under small trim covers near the console.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic push-button shifter will not function at all. You must supply external 12V power (jump pack, jump-start from another vehicle) to energize the shifter module. Without power, there is no mechanical method to release the transmission from Park. Flatbed towing with all wheels off the ground is the only safe option if power cannot be restored.