🚨 2022 Mini Cooper S: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Cooper S uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Firmly depress the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you will not be able to turn the ignition to any position. The shift lock override can still be accessed mechanically - remove the cap and use the override slot while pulling the shifter. You may need to use a jump pack momentarily to get ignition ACC for any electronic interlocks, then disconnect once in Neutral.