🚨 2015 Lincoln MKZ: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 MKZ Hybrid has a console-mounted electronic shifter lever with an electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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
- Firmly set the parking brake and verify the vehicle is on level ground.
- If possible, turn the ignition to the ON or ACC position to enable the electronics.
- Locate the shift lock override: look on the left side of the shifter console base for a small slot covered by a rubber or plastic cap.
- Pry off the cap gently using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim removal tool.
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While pressing the override, press the brake pedal (if 12V power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the 12V battery is dead and you cannot power the vehicle at all, follow the 'No Power Notes' below.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot on the left side of the shifter console base (driver's side)
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the shift interlock and hybrid systems will not function. You must jump-start the 12V battery (located in the trunk) using jumper cables or a portable jump starter. Once the 12V system is live, use the shift lock override to move the shifter to Neutral. Do not rely on the high-voltage hybrid battery—it does not directly power the 12V accessories.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle with a high-voltage battery and an electronically managed transaxle. Do NOT tow with the front (drive) wheels on the ground unless the vehicle is in Neutral and the hybrid system is powered on (Ready mode). If the vehicle is completely dead, use a flatbed tow truck or a wheel-lift with the front wheels raised to avoid damaging the transaxle and hybrid components.