🚨 2009 Mercury Mariner: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Mercury Mariner uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL shifter with electronic shift interlock requiring brake pedal depression.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small covered opening to the left of the shifter base on the console, near the driver's side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cover cap over the override slot.
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover cap if vehicle will be driven again.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot to the left of the shifter base on the center console, driver's side.
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and requires no electrical power. Insert tool into override slot and hold down while shifting. The brake pedal does not need to be depressed when using the override.