🚨 1995 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Silver Spur (long-wheelbase variant) uses the same traditional column-mounted gear selector as the Silver Spirit, with a cable-actuated Park lock mechanism tied to the ignition key and brake interlock system.
✓ 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 parking brake is fully engaged and the vehicle is on level ground or properly secured.
- Turn the ignition key to the 'ON' (II) position if battery power is available.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the column shifter from Park to Neutral—if it won't move, proceed to the override procedure.
- Locate the shift lock override access point: look for a small plastic cap or cover on the column shroud near the base of the shifter lever, typically on the right side.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade to remove the override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press/hold the release mechanism.
- While holding the override, move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the column is locked due to steering lock, you may need to gently turn the steering wheel slightly while turning the key to release the column lock before attempting shifter movement.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the column shroud near the shifter base, typically on the right side of the column; exact position may vary but is generally within 2-3 inches of the shifter lever mounting point.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the ignition key cannot be turned and the steering column will be locked. You must first connect an external 12V power source (jumper pack or another vehicle) to unlock the steering column and provide power to the shift interlock system. The override slot can then be used if the brake switch circuit remains inoperative. Without any power at all, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be winched or dollied onto a flatbed.