🚨 2019 Lincoln Navigator: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Navigator uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shift lever (monostable/spring-return type) with a rotary knob at the top.
✓ 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.
- Move the shift lever to the Neutral (N) position by pushing forward one position from Park.
- If the brake-light switch has failed and the shifter will not release from Park, locate the shift lock override.
- Look for a small rectangular or circular cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side when seated).
- Carefully pry off this cap using a flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool.
- Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot.
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shift lever forward to Neutral.
- 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 small removable cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console surface
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter's solenoid will not release even with the override mechanism. The steering column will also be locked. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source (battery jumper pack or another vehicle) to provide sufficient power to cycle the ignition to ON/ACC. Once minimal power is available, use the shift lock override procedure to move to neutral. Without any power, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be dollied or winched onto a flatbed.