🚨 2018 Volvo S60: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 S60 (third generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shift lever with an electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the brake pedal cannot be pressed, continue holding the override and firmly pull the shifter to Neutral - it may require more force than normal.
- Once in Neutral, you can release the override. The vehicle can now roll freely.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base on center console, under a small removable cover cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ON, but the override slot bypass works independently. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure while moving the shifter to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free-rolling.