🚨 2001 Lincoln Town Car: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 Town Car uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical shift lock that engages when the brake pedal is not depressed.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly set
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (battery power required for normal operation)
- Locate the shift lock override access hole on the right side of the column shroud near the base of the shifter
- Remove the small plastic cap or cover over the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and push in firmly
- While holding the override tool depressed, press the shift lever button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If you have no battery power at all, see the no-power notes below
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the steering column shroud near the shifter base, underneath a small removable cover
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery and no jumper pack, you cannot release the column lock electrically. You must jump-start the vehicle or connect a portable jump pack to get enough power to turn the key to ACC/ON, which energizes the shift interlock system. Once power is available, use the shift lock override procedure above. Without any power, the transmission will remain locked in Park.