🚨 1998 Volvo C70: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 C70 uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a conventional PRNDL gate pattern.
✓ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake
- Turn the ignition key to ON position (one position before START) to unlock the steering wheel
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is directly to the right of the shifter base, covered by a small removable plastic cap or trim piece
- Use a flathead screwdriver, ignition key, or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- The vehicle can now be pushed or rolled; leave the ignition in ON position to keep the steering unlocked
Shift-lock override location
Directly to the right of the shifter base on the center console, covered by a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you will still be able to use the mechanical shift lock override to move the shifter to Neutral. However, the steering wheel will remain locked. To unlock the steering, you must turn the ignition key to ON, which requires at least some battery voltage. If the battery is completely dead, jump-start the vehicle or use a battery booster pack to provide enough power to turn the ignition to ON position. Once in ON position with steering unlocked, you can disconnect the jumper and push/roll the vehicle.