🚨 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Ghost (second generation) uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector stalk on the right side of the steering column with shift-by-wire control.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override access - check near the base of the gear selector stalk on the column shroud
- Remove any small rubber cap or trim piece covering the override slot if present
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot
- Press and hold the override release while moving the selector stalk to Neutral position
- If ignition is on, the transmission should engage Neutral; verify by attempting to push the vehicle
- If completely dead, the selector may move but transmission may not engage - see no-power notes
Shift-lock override location
Access area near the base of the column-mounted gear selector stalk, generally on the right side of the column shroud - exact location should be verified in owner's manual
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the ZF 8-speed transmission's parking pawl remains mechanically locked. The shift lock override only releases the selector mechanism, not the transmission itself. You MUST jump-start the vehicle or connect a battery maintainer to get even ACC power, then shift to Neutral. If this is impossible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels off the ground or dollies - do NOT attempt to tow with rear wheels down.