🚨 2022 Lincoln Navigator: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Navigator uses a console-mounted electronic shifter lever with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position if battery power is available (do not start the engine).
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover located on the left side of the shifter base, near the front.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to remove or pry up the small plastic cover over the override slot.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter rearward toward Drive/Neutral.
- Move the shifter to Neutral while maintaining pressure on the override mechanism.
- If the vehicle must be moved without any electrical power, you will need to keep the override depressed while an assistant moves the shifter, or tape/wedge the override down temporarily during the move.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the console shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override must be manually depressed using a tool in the override slot while simultaneously moving the shifter. The ignition will not power on, so the override is your only method. You may need to hold or wedge the tool in place while moving the vehicle.