🚨 2021 Smart ForTwo: Emergency Neutral
Smart ForTwo was not officially sold as a new vehicle in the United States for the 2021 model year (discontinued after 2019).
🧰 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
- NOTE: The Smart ForTwo was discontinued in the US market after the 2019 model year
- If you have a 2021 model, it is likely a gray-market/imported vehicle from Europe or another market
- European-market 2021 models may use the same general shifter design with override on the right side of the shifter base
- Locate any small cover cap or access panel near the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the cover and access the mechanical override
- Insert a tool into the override slot and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Likely on the right side of the shifter base under a cover cap, but exact location may vary for non-US market vehicles
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, use the mechanical shift lock override. Note that this vehicle was not sold new in the US for 2021, so you may need to consult European service documentation for specific details.