🚨 2021 Mini Countryman: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Mini Countryman (second-generation F60) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-by-wire technology and electronic parking brake.
🧰 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 a flat surface; note that this generation has an electronic parking brake.
- If battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON position to attempt releasing the electronic parking brake (hold EPB switch up for 2-3 seconds).
- Locate the shift lock override: look for a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base or in the storage compartment directly in front of the shifter.
- Remove the plastic cap covering the override slot using a small flathead screwdriver or key blade.
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral position.
- If the electronic parking brake cannot be released due to dead battery, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free or EPB manually released (requires access to brake calipers).
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base or in the small storage tray forward of the shifter, covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical override can release the shifter to Neutral, but the electronic parking brake (EPB) will remain engaged. The EPB cannot be released electrically without 12V power. For towing, either jump-start the vehicle to release EPB, or use flatbed towing with all wheels off the ground. Some models may require manual EPB release at the rear brake calipers using the emergency release mechanism.