🚨 2013 Mini Cooper: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Mini Cooper (R56 generation) has a traditional center console floor-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible (this may provide enough power to release the shift lock even with a weak battery).
- If the ignition cannot be turned on or shift lock remains engaged, locate the shift lock override slot.
- The override slot is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap, located on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side when sitting in the seat).
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or small tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base at console level, covered by a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the shift lock override is mechanical and will still function. Use the override slot procedure above. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be towed with front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.