🚨 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Outlander PHEV uses an electronic push-button shifter system with P-R-N-D-B selections on the center console.
✓ 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 parking brake is set and wheels are chocked.
- Attempt to turn on the ignition to READY mode: press the power button while pressing the brake pedal (may not work with dead 12V battery).
- If ignition powers on, press and hold the brake pedal, then press the N (Neutral) button.
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, the electronic shifter will NOT function—the vehicle cannot be shifted electronically without 12V power.
- With dead 12V battery, you must jump-start the 12V auxiliary battery (located in the engine bay) to restore shifter function, then shift to Neutral.
- After shifting to Neutral with power restored, you must also enable TOW MODE: access the vehicle settings menu on the center display and activate tow mode to disengage the electric motor/parking pawl.
- If tow mode cannot be enabled or 12V power cannot be restored, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed truck with all wheels off the ground—do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground.
With zero electrical power
This generation uses a fully electronic shifter with NO mechanical override. Without 12V power, the shifter is completely inoperative. You MUST jump-start the 12V auxiliary battery (under hood) to gain any shifter function. Once powered, shift to N and enable tow mode through the infotainment system before moving the vehicle.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a plug-in hybrid with electric motors directly driving the wheels. Even in Neutral, the vehicle must have tow mode enabled (via vehicle settings when powered on) to fully disengage the electric drive system and parking mechanisms. If tow mode cannot be activated or 12V power cannot be restored, transport ONLY on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Towing with wheels down without tow mode WILL cause severe drivetrain damage.