🚨 2021 Lincoln Nautilus: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Nautilus uses an electronic push-button gear selector with buttons arranged vertically on the center console (P, R, N, D buttons plus manual mode).
✓ 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 a level surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON or ACC position (do not need to start engine).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the 'N' (Neutral) button on the gear selector panel.
- If the brake-light switch has failed and neutral will not engage, locate the shift lock override access.
- Remove the small rectangular cover panel in the cupholder area directly forward of the push-button shifter assembly.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot revealed beneath the cover.
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the 'N' button.
- Verify the gear indicator displays 'N' on the instrument cluster.
- Release the brake pedal and confirm the vehicle can roll freely (with parking brake released).
Shift-lock override location
Under a removable cover panel in the cupholder area immediately forward of the push-button shifter assembly on the center console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic push-button shifter will not function and the shift lock override will not work. The steering column will also be locked. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to the battery terminals to provide sufficient power to cycle the ignition and operate the shifter. Once minimal power is restored, follow the normal procedure to select neutral.