🚨 2019 Lincoln MKZ: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with an electronic shift-lock system integrated into 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 wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine) to power the electronic shift-lock system.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lever button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the brake pedal does not release the shift lock (failed brake-light switch), locate the shift-lock override slot.
- The override slot is a small covered opening on the console near the base of the shifter, typically to the right side of the shifter itself—look for a small rectangular cap or cover.
- Pry off the cap using a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving to Neutral.
- If successful, the vehicle is now in Neutral and can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the console to the right of the shifter base—remove the cap to access the manual override release.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the electronic shift lock cannot be released through normal means. You must use the mechanical shift-lock override: turn the physical key in the ignition to ACC to unlock the steering, apply the parking brake, then use the override slot (remove cap, insert tool, press down) to manually release the shifter into Neutral. The hybrid system will not engage, so the vehicle can be rolled or loaded.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle. If the 12V battery is dead, the high-voltage hybrid system will not engage, and the vehicle can be safely moved in Neutral. For towing, always use a flatbed or dolly with rear wheels off the ground—do NOT tow with front wheels on the ground as this can damage the hybrid transaxle. Do not attempt to shift into any gear other than Neutral for towing purposes.