🚨 2015 McLaren P1: Emergency Neutral
The P1 uses a push-button selector panel on the center console with buttons for P, R, N, D and a manual mode rocker.
🧰 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 a flat surface and wheels are chocked
- Locate the small circular shift-lock override access point on the center console near the gear selector button panel
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the emergency key or a small tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the N button
- If no 12V power is available, you must jump-start the 12V battery (located in the front trunk) to electronically release the transmission—there is no purely mechanical override on this vehicle
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Near the gear selector button panel on the center console, covered by a small circular cap
With zero electrical power
The P1 requires 12V power to release the transmission. Jump the 12V battery in the front trunk using the jump-start terminals. Without any power, the transmission cannot be shifted and the vehicle must be dragged onto a flatbed with wheels free or transported on dollies.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a plug-in hybrid. DO NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances—the electric motors can generate voltage and damage the high-voltage system. Flatbed transport only. Engage transport mode if 12V power is available (consult owner's manual for procedure) to unlock the drivetrain for winching.