🚨 2020 Peugeot 208: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Peugeot 208 (second generation) uses a compact console-mounted automatic transmission lever 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 vehicle is on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any remaining charge
- Locate the shift lock override cover - a small rectangular plastic cap on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral (N)
- If shifter does not move, maintain override pressure and try moving through the shift gate sequence
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter console base, adjacent to the shift lever housing
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical shift lock override still functions. You will not be able to turn on the ignition system, but the override slot provides mechanical release of the shifter. Simply remove the cap, press the override mechanism, and manually move the shifter to Neutral.