🚨 1994 Porsche 968: Emergency Neutral
The 1994 968 with Tiptronic automatic has a traditional console-mounted gear selector with a P-R-N-D-3-2 gate and a shift lock that prevents moving out of Park without the brake pedal depressed.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level ground with the parking brake firmly engaged and wheels chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine) to energize the shift interlock system
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever out of Park into Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override slot still functions mechanically. You will need to manually unlock the driver's door with the key. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle cannot be steered and MUST be loaded onto a flatbed—do not attempt to push or tow with wheels on the ground if the steering is locked.