🚨 2018 Peugeot 308: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Peugeot 308 with automatic transmission uses a conventional console-mounted electronic gear selector lever.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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 firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Locate the shift lock override access—look for a small rectangular or circular cover cap near the base of the shifter, typically on the right side or front of the shifter base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the ignition key blade to carefully pry off the cover cap
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool into the shift lock override slot
- Press down firmly on the tool while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if 12V power is available)
- While holding the override pressed, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the brake pedal does not assist (no power), maintain pressure on the override and firmly pull or push the shifter toward Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap located near the base of the shifter console, typically on the right side or forward of the shifter base; the slot is usually clearly marked or easily visible once the cap is removed
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock override should still mechanically release the shifter on this model. However, if the electronic shifter does not respond, jump-starting the 12V battery may be necessary. The 308's shifter can usually be mechanically overridden without power, but the transmission parking pawl still requires the vehicle to be on level ground or properly supported.