🚨 2017 Lincoln MKT: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Lincoln MKT uses a traditional console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift-lock.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position (or at least ACC) if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot—it's a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left or forward side.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to remove the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If successful, replace the override cap and verify the vehicle is in Neutral before releasing the parking brake.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap near the shifter base on the console, typically on the left or forward side of the shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift-lock override still works mechanically. You may need to manually unlock the driver's door with the physical key. Insert the tool into the override slot, press down, and shift to Neutral without needing ignition power. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be towed or pushed carefully.