🚨 2025 MG MG5: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 MG5 uses a conventional center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - typically a small rectangular cover near the base of the shifter on the right side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, release the override and remove the tool; replace the cover cap
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover near the shifter base, typically on the right side of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you must use the mechanical shift lock override. The override works purely mechanically - no power needed. If the override slot is not accessible or does not release the shifter, the transmission may need to be placed in neutral via the transmission itself (requires lifting the vehicle and accessing the transmission shift lever underneath).