🚨 2018 Renault Megane: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Renault Megane (fourth generation) uses a 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 the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift-lock override access point near the shifter base on the center console.
- Look for a small rectangular or circular cap/cover, often positioned to the left or front of the shifter lever.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully remove the override cap.
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the revealed slot.
- Press down on the override mechanism while pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If no electrical power is available, press the override and move to Neutral without the brake requirement.
- Verify the transmission is in Neutral before attempting to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap near the shifter base on the center console, typically forward or to the left side of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, use the shift-lock override by pressing it with a tool while moving the shifter to Neutral. The brake pedal interlock will not function without power. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed tow truck or towed with front wheels off the ground.