🚨 2016 Mini Cooper: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Mini Cooper uses a floor-mounted console lever shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake interlock system.
✓ 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 a flat surface and set the parking brake (if functional).
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if you have any battery power available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot.
- With the cap removed, insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If you have zero electrical power, you must use the override slot method - the shift lock is mechanical and will release when the override is pressed even without power.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base at floor level, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap that pries off
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Remove the plastic cap on the right side of the shifter base and press the override button with a tool while moving the shifter. The ignition does not need to be on for the override to work.